ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the social dimensions of the green transition in Istria, Croatia—one of the country’s two regions most affected by decarbonization—by centering the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities. Drawing on empirical research conducted within the EU-funded BOLSTER project, including interviews, multi-actor forums and local alliance meetings, the chapter explores how marginalized groups—particularly women, youth, and citizens from post-industrial areas—perceive and experience the transition to a low-carbon economy. Findings suggest that while there is widespread awareness of environmental change, immediate concerns such as access to jobs, education, and mobility dominate local narratives. Structural barriers—economic precarity, poor public infrastructure, limited educational attainment, and weak policy communication—undermine community engagement and the perceived fairness of the transition. Moreover, the Croatian Territorial Just Transition Plan, while aligned with EU decarbonization objectives, lacks clear mechanisms for addressing local social inequalities or integrating citizen initiatives. This chapter argues that for a transition to be truly just, it must be grounded in the lived realities of affected communities, ensuring equitable participation, redistribution of benefits, and responsive governance. The case of Istria offers important insights into how local voices can inform the design of inclusive and context-sensitive green transition strategies across Europe.
