European Commission's START Program Concludes, Delivering Tangible Support for Just Transition in EU Coal Regions
Key Insights
The European Commission's START technical assistance program has concluded after six years, successfully aiding 14 coal+ regions across 10 EU countries in their transition to clean energy.
START provided tailored guidance on transition strategies, project identification, and capacity building, fostering economic diversification and green energy adoption in affected regions.
The program emphasized co-creation and practical applicability, generating over 80 outputs including renewable energy reports and detailed capacity-building guidance.
The Commission will continue supporting coal regions through a new Secretariat and the TARGET program, maintaining focus on competitiveness and just transition.
The European Commission's START technical assistance facility, a cornerstone of its Initiative for coal regions in transition, has concluded its six-year mandate, delivering tangible results across 14 coal, lignite, peat, and oil shale regions (coal+ regions) in 10 EU countries. Since its inception in 2019, START successfully completed 18 assignments, providing crucial support for territories navigating the complex shift towards clean energy economies. This milestone is underscored by the release of a comprehensive 'lessons learned' report, detailing the program's impact and methodologies.
START's core mission involved offering bespoke advice and guidance on developing regional and local-level transition strategies, identifying and scoping viable clean energy projects, and building essential capacities through knowledge sharing among coal+ regions. Aligning with the EU's overarching ambition for a just transition, the program equipped these regions with the necessary expertise and tools to diversify their economic bases, enhance sustainability and competitiveness, reorient their labor markets towards green sectors, foster renewable energy deployment, strengthen transition governance, and actively engage affected citizens and stakeholders.
Recognizing the inherent diversity in the assets, socio-economic structures, industrial heritage, and institutional frameworks of coal+ regions, START was meticulously designed as a responsive and context-based instrument. This tailored approach ensured that solutions were precisely adapted to specific regional needs, maximizing efficacy and local ownership. Beneficiaries consistently highlighted the program's strengths, including its emphasis on co-creation of solutions, access to responsive hands-on expertise, the cultivation of robust relationships among regional, national, and EU partners, and the generation of practical, actionable outputs with lasting legacy.
Throughout its operational period, START played a pivotal role in advancing the principles of a just transition. In close collaboration with recipient regions, the program produced over 80 written outputs, encompassing detailed transition pathway plans, comprehensive renewable energy reports, project files, and in-depth capacity-building guidance. Many of these valuable resources are publicly accessible online, serving as a repository of best practices.
Looking forward, the European Commission reaffirms its commitment to supporting coal regions in transition, with a renewed focus on bolstering their competitiveness. A tender for the Secretariat to the initiative for the next four years has recently been launched, signaling continuity. Furthermore, regions can continue to solicit technical assistance through the EU-funded TARGET program, ensuring ongoing support for these critical energy transitions.