The Just Transition Fund has been operating in Poland since the beginning of 2023. Although it is only halfway through its term and it is still difficult to assess the impact of the projects launched so far on the economies of the beneficiary regions, the need to continue this initiative in the coming years is already apparent, according to Marta Anczewska from the Reform Institute in a report commissioned by the Polish Green Network. 

The Just Transition Fund is a European Union financial instrument that supports regions where the energy transition process poses significant socio-economic challenges. 

Poland is its largest beneficiary—we will receive €3.85 billion, which accounts for almost 20% of the Fund’s total budget. The relatively large amount of funds allocated to our country can be explained by the presence of many coal mines, which will be gradually phased out. 

The money will go to four regions in Poland and given to projects aimed at mitigating the effects of the transition away from a coal-based economy. Over the past two years of the Fund’s operation, programming has been ongoing in four regions surveyed for the report (Silesia Province, Greater Poland Province – Konin subregion, Lower Silesia Province – Wałbrzych subregion, and Łódź Province – Bełchatów subregion), programming and the selection of projects applying for funding took place, based on previously prepared Territorial Just Transition Plans. The publication is a record of the experiences of those involved in implementation (e.g., members of the Fund’s Monitoring Committees), who share the challenges they have encountered as well as their expectations for the final results. It also aims to assess the level of public participation in individual regions. 

Western part of Lesser Poland region was not included in the scope of the study because expenditure in this region is carried out as part of the allocation for the Silesian Province. 

The report is based on 23 interviews conducted in November and December 2024 with representatives of employees of managing and intermediary institutions, representatives of entrepreneurs, scientific institutions, mining companies, local government (municipal) employees, non-governmental organizations, and mining trade unions. The interviews identified both the positive aspects and the main barriers to the functioning of the JTF in Poland. On this basis, recommendations were developed that can support the ongoing mid-term evaluation of the Fund and influence the shape of its next edition.