ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the design and implementation of the Just Transition Fund (JTF) launched by the European Union (EU), within the broader context of the European Green Deal and the EU's climate neutrality objectives for 2050. By focusing on three countries – Italy, Spain, and Germany – we explore how the JTF seeks to mitigate the economic and social consequences of the green transformation, particularly in those regions heavily dependent on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas-intensive industries. The chapter highlights the strategies adopted by national and regional governments in each country to promote economic diversification, workforce reskilling, and social inclusion, while also addressing the challenges of persistent unemployment, skills mismatches, and regional disparities. Drawing on these national experiences, the chapter identifies key challenges and lessons learned, and offers policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness, inclusiveness, and territorial coherence of just transition policies across Europe.
