ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the legal and regulatory foundations of the Just Transition within the European Union, focusing on how climate neutrality objectives have been integrated with social equity, economic competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. It outlines the development of key principles and their translation into a structured policy framework that connects goals with instruments, territories, and governance mechanisms. A central element is the Just Transition Mechanism, which aims to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of climate transition in the most affected regions. Comprising financial and strategic tools, the mechanism is implemented through region-specific plans developed in coordination with the European Commission. The chapter also examines the multilevel governance of the transition, emphasizing the importance of early and inclusive participation by public authorities and societal partners. Finally, it highlights regulatory requirements for planning, monitoring, and evaluation, illustrating how the EU seeks to ensure a place-based transition process.
