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May 22 2024
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Enough: Thriving Societies Beyond Growth (Brussels)

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About the event 

The term “degrowth” often causes panic among mainstream opinion makers and many economists in Europe. Economic growth is the lubricant of capitalism. We are told that if the economy is growing, all is well. But what do we mean by growth? Should everything keep growing endlessly? The ecological crisis shows that infinite growth on a finite planet is impossible. Meanwhile, the current economic system fails to secure livelihoods and deepens inequalities. There is an alternative to this self-destructive system: an economy of enough, which would provide for everyone’s basic needs while tackling greed and overconsumption.

The EU has the potential to lead the ecological transition. Although the Green Deal was a significant step forward, it remains locked within a growth-addicted economy with a core principle of competition in a single market, and it does not sufficiently address social inequality. We need to imagine a different European economy, rooted in a new paradigm, before we can build it.

This is why the Green European Foundation is launching “Enough: Thriving Societies Beyond Growth”. Written by Dirk Holemans, Lara Ferrante, and Elze Vermaas, this essay explores how societies can thrive without depending on economic growth. It presents a compelling vision of fewer private jets, less inequality, fewer burnouts, and reduced waste, alongside more quality of life, more time for each other, more sustainable products, and a healthier planet. In other words, a good life for everyone within the planet’s limits. This essay gives us the keys to imagine a different Europe.

During this event, we will be joined by the authors of the book to delve into its intricacies and explore ideas for achieving true well-being in a society beyond growth.

This book launch is part of GEF’s focus on the Green Deal for All. It builds on research and events in 2023 that sought to explore how we can strengthen the social dimension of the EGD and what novel ideas and policy proposals can help us look even further, to future-proof ideas for thriving societies within planetary boundaries.  

 

Speakers
 

  • Ben Eersels – Executive Director at G1000
  • Sibo Rugwiza Kanobana – lecturer in sociolinguistics and postcolonial studies at Ghent University & author of Witte Orde
  • Martine Delsemme – co-operator of Brussels based co-operative supermarket Bees Coop
  • Rebekka Eschauzier – climate activist extinction rebellion
  • Lara Ferrante – Enough co-author
  • Elze Vermaas – Enough co-author

Moderated by Dirk Holemans (Oikos, Enough co-author)

 

Programme

19h30: Doors open 

20h-21h30: Start of the event, presentation and discussion around the book 

21h30: Networking drinks 

 

Practicalities

Date and Time: 21 June 2024, 20h-21h30 (doors open at 19h30, bar opens at 21h30)

Location: De Buren, Leopoldstraat 6, 1000 Brussels

Language:  English

Registration: This event is free and open to all, but please register in advance here to help us keep track of expected participant numbers.

 

This book launch is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Oikos and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. 

 

 

Nov 07 2022
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Just Green Transition for a Better World (Belgrade)

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About the event

The transition to a green economy and stronger action against climate are imperative, there’s no doubt. However, it is equally important that in this process no one gets left behind, especially those who are already in a vulnerable position. That’s why Polekol, together with partners from Belgium, Spain, Finland, Great Britain, Macedonia and Croatia, joined this project and contributed to the book “European Just Transition for a Better World” whose aim is to look at key topics related to a just and green transition.

What makes this book unique is the pan-European and global approach, which looks at a just transition in a wider context, as well as the green perspective it describes. Authors and chapters include the European Union (EU) and the Global South, with a particular focus on Namibia and Colombia.

Context

The book covers many aspects, including historical perspectives, regional approaches, European policy developments, youth perspectives and industries in transition, with a focus on specific struggles, such as unemployment.

‘’Only a vision of transition that considers the complexity, context dependency and interconnections of the multiple challenges that we face will be able to bring about the radical change that is so urgently needed. This shows that you cannot implement environmental policies without a social framework. Or, in other words: either climate policy will be social or it will not ‘be’ at all.’’ is a quote from the editor of the book, Dirk Holemans from the Belgian Think Tank, Oikos.

Practicalities

Date and Time: 14th November 2022, 17:00 – 19:00 CET

Location: Prostor Miljenko Dereta, Dobračina 55, Belgrade, Serbia

Format: In person event

Language: The main language of this event will be English, with simultaneous interpretation provided for the speakers

Registrations: Please register via the Facebook link: Pravedna zelena tranzicija za bolji svet – promocija knjige i diskusija | Facebook

 

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Polekol and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The Euroapean Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.

Nov 04 2022
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Just Transition Book (Skopje)

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About the Event

During the book promotion of the recently published ‘’A Just Transition in Europe for a Better World’’ author and Editor Dirk Holemans will discuss the pathway towards a Just Transition and economic transformation with distinguished professors and students from the American University of Europe in Skopje. We will also bring together speakers from the EU and the Balkans with extensive knowledge on this topic to discuss the relevance of just transition at this precise moment in Europe and beyond.

We have to rethink production and consumption and adapt to a social circular economy. Only if the transformation is planned and executed in a just and fair way, it will find support among the population. With this event -and the project it is part of- we are looking at the different dimensions of Just Transition and what are the politics and policies we should develop to make the change in our economic realities.

Context

This event is part of the Green European Foundation’s Just Transition transnational project. The project looks into the question of transforming from an extractive to a regenerative economy in a just and equitable manner.

Speakers

Dirk Holemans – GEF Co-President and editor of the European Just Transition for a Better World book

Prof. Dr.sc Savo Ashtalkoski – Dean, Faculty of Economics, American University of Europe in Skopje

Verce Georgievska – Rupic – moderator

Practicalities

Date and Time: 16th November 2022, 11:00h – 13:00h CET

Location: American University of Europe in Skopje, North Macedonia

Format: In person (invitation only)

Language: The main language of this event will be in English, simultaneous interpretation will be provided for the speakers

Registrations: In person participation is by invitation only (contact aleksgo@gmail.com for more information)

 

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Sunrise and with the financial support of the European parliament to the Green European Foundation.

 

Oct 24 2022
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‘A European Just Transition for a Better World’ (Brussels)

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About the Event

This event is part of the Green European Foundation’s Just Transition transnational project. The project looks into the question of transforming from an extractive to a regenerative economy in a just and equitable way to find the necessary support among the population. It seeks to show that the green family, including GEF in its specific role, is a leading actor in the development of future-proof politics and policies, developed in a sensitive way that keeps in mind local specificities.

The Federation of Young European Greens’ contribution to the book is a chapter outlining the role of young people in the fight for climate justice: from disruption and civil disobedience to institutional paths like climate litigation and lobbying, the youth is pushing for a more radical climate agenda.

This and more will be discussed this evening.

Speakers

  • Sean Currie, Co-Spokesperson, Federation of Young European Greens
  • Lola Segers, Youth for Climate Belgium

Programme

  • 18:30 – 19:30: arrivals. Dinner will be served at 19:00 for the registered participants
  • 19:30 – 21:00: book launch presentation and panel discussion
  • 21:00 – 23:00: chilling and networking with some music

 

Practicalities

Date and time: 27th October, 18:30-23:00 PM CES

Location: Mundo B, Rue d’Edimbourg 26, 1050 Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium

Format: In person discussion, including dinner

Language: English

Registrations: This event will take place in English and is open to registered participants. Please make sure to register in advance via this link

 

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Federation of Young European Greens and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The

Oct 13 2022
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Together for a Just Transition (Brussels)

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About the Event

This event will be a thematic networking opportunity for experts, professionals, civil society, green actors, trade unions, young people and business representatives working on just transition related themes. Join us as we exchange between different thinkers, topics and actors on how to provide an opportunity to live a good life for all within planetary boundaries.

Throughout the event you will have a chance to meet some of the Authors of the recently published book ‘A European Just Transition for a Better World’ and get your own copy.

 

Context

This event is part of the Green European Foundation’s Just Transition transnational project. The project looks into the question of transforming from an extractive to a regenerative economy in a just and equitable way, finding the necessary support among the population. It seeks to show that the green family, including GEF in its specific role, is a leading actor in the development of future-proof politics and policies, developed in a sensitive way that keeps in mind local specificities.

 

Programme

-Welcome and Introductions

    • Dirk Holemans, GEF Co-President and editor of the European Just Transition for a Better World book

-Thematic networking tables

    • Youth perspectives of Just Transition with Lorenzo Manca, Climate Justice Coordinator, Generation Climate Europe
    • Fit for 55 package and the European Green Deal, Katharina Wiese, Senior Policy Officer for Economic Transition and Gender Equality, European Environmental Bureau
    • Trade Unions perspectives of Just Transition, with Kalina Arabadjieva, Researcher, European Trade Union Insitute
    • What does a Just Transition mean for cities? with Claire Roumet, Strategic partnerships, EU Policy & Overall Coordination, Energy Cities

 

Practicalities

Date and time: 22nd November, 18:00-20:00 PM CEST

Location: Mundo Madou, Tandem Café, Avenue des Arts 7-8, Brussels, Belgium

Format: Thematic exchanges and networking, including a drink

Language: English

Registrations: This event is open to registered participants. Sign up here!

Copies of the ‘’European Just Transition for a Better World’’ book will be available at the venue

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.

 

 

 

 

Oct 04 2022
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Book presentation ‘A Eurpean Just Transition for a Better World’ (Ghent)

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About the event

It is clear that Europe faces a crucial challenge: it must transform its economy into one that offers everyone the opportunity to live a good life within the planetary boundaries.

What policies and funding do we need to ensure that the transition takes place in a fair manner? What role can Belgium play in this area? And how do we do this without losing sight of the reality of the South?

During this event, Dirk Holemans presents his book ‘A European Just Transition for a Better World’ in the role of imaginary. He will then talk to Robin Roels in the role of challenger and Minister Zakia Khattabi in the role of doer.

This introductory evening will try to provide a response to the following overarching question: what does a just transition mean today in the European context? Our speakers will talk about the notion of Just Transition and the book ‘A European Just Transition for a Better World’.

This event is part of the 5 part series of events that will take place from October to March 2023. More info here <<<

 

Speakers

  • Imager: Dirk Holemans, coordinator of Oikos Think Tank
  • Doer: Zakia Khattabi, Federal Minister of Climate, Environment, Sustainable Development and Green Deal
  • Challenger: Robin Roels (Assistant for Resource Justice at the European Environmental Bureau)

 

Practicalitities

Date: 12th October

Time: 19:30 PM

Location: Krookcafe, Ghent

Address: Miriam Makabaplein 1, 9000 AGhent

Language: This event will take place in Dutch and is open to registered participants. Please make sure to register in advance via this registration form.

Sep 28 2022
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The return of the workers: agitating for a just transition (Harrogate )

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About the event

As the cost-of-living bites across Europe and trade union disputes spread like wildfire, could renewed agency for workers help break climate politics open and deliver a just transition? Speakers include Matthew Hull, newly elected Trade Union Liaison Officer on GPEx, Anne Chapman, former co-chair of Green House, Robert Magowan, author of the aviation chapter in A European Just Transition for a Better World, and more.

Context

This event is organized by the Green European Foundation (GEF) with the support of Green House Think Tank as part of the transnational GEF Just Transition project.

This project tackles the question of a Just Transition – transforming from an extractive to a regenerative economy in a just and equitable way to find the necessary support among the population. It seeks to show that the green family, including GEF in its specific role, is a leading actor in the development of futureproof politics and policies, developed in a sensitive way that keeps in mind local specificities.

Programme

3.15 – Chair: welcome and introductions

3.20 – Matthew Hull, GPEx trade union officer (10 min)

3.30 – Robert Magowan (by video link) (10 minutes)

3.40 – Anne Chapman – agriculture and the food industry (10 minutes)

3.50 – Joaquin Nieto – Just transition processes in Spain (by video link) (15 min)

4.00 – 4.30 – questions and discussion

Practicalities

Time and date: 3.15 – 4.30 pm Friday 30th September

Location: Queens 7 Convention centre (Harrogate ) & online

Registrations: To attend this event you have to book to attend the Friday of the conference. Register here.

 

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green House think tank and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.

Sep 21 2022
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A Just Transition in Britain: Navigating “Actually Existing Regionalisms”

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About

Back in July, GEF alongside Green House Think Tank launched an essay competition for students and young writers on the political potential of the Just Transition in the UK. We’re now delighted to announce the winner of our Just Transition essay competition: Matthew Hull.

For as long as the vocabulary of just transition has existed, it has attended to regional inequality and ‘spatial justice’.6 This arises from the common-sense observation that regions whose economies are especially reliant on fossil-fuelled industries, and whose opportunities for economic diversification are limited, will be particularly vulnerable during any transition.

 

Objectives

Matthew looks at two decades of regional development in the UK, from New Labour’s ‘new regionalism’ to Metro Mayors and devolution in Wales. Exploring how ‘actually existing regionalism’ has accommodated ecological objectives over time, and through narratives from networks to ‘Levelling Up’, Matthew contrasts a history of weakness with an emerging political potential. “The regionalist genie may be out of the bottle,” his excellent essay concludes, “and centralising governments may struggle to put it back in.”

 

This essay has been published by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green House think tank and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this content.

Jul 01 2022
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Just Transition Essay Competition

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Context

The competition coincides with the publication of our new book, ‘A European Just Transition for a Better World’, a collection of chapters revolving aorund the transformation from an extractive economy to a regenerative one in a just and equitable way. As described by Dirk Holemans, co-President of the Green European Foundation and the book’s editor, the just transition marks “the meeting of necessity and ethics“.

 

About the Competition

Entries should engage with this collection, referencing chapters and applying the concepts, history and political analysis it develops to the political economy of the UK (a free e-book will be shared on request). While the proposed essay can be academic or persuasive in style, it should be rigorous in its argumentation and references. It may make use of previously submitted (but unpublished) work. Entrants do not need to have, or be in tertiary education, and we welcome entries that can engage personally as well as conceptually with the subject (for example, those written from the perspective of workers, organisers and activists).

The winner’s essay will be published in print and promoted by the Green European Foundation and Green House ahead of the UK book launch event, which the winner will be offered travel expenses to attend. The event will take place on 20th September at Bookmarks bookshop in Bloomsbury, London, chaired by former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett.

Essays are encouraged to take a broad interpretation of the subject, and to provide an overview across different themes, which could include:

  • Just transition in the context of the cost-of-living crisis, rising labour agitation and lower growth futures (see for example this webinar), and how these factors could impact the political and policy landscape.
  • The electoral appeal of just transition-related policies and agendas (Green New Deal, Green Industrial Revolution) with reference to recent UK national and regional elections.
  • Devolved nation initiatives around the just transition, referencing recent progress in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • The role of ‘place-based just transitions’: local and democratic engagement in planning through e.g. Local Authorities and Citizens’ Assemblies (e.g. Bristol).
  • Critical perspectives on the just transition, for example on the strategic role of the labour movement in the ecological transition relative to youth (e.g.
  • The role of sectoral transition plans (e.g. energy, manufacturing, transport, advertising) versus economy-wide planning and policies.

Interested?

  • Contact info@greenhousethinktank.org to confirm your interest and eligibility, and to receive the e-book of A European Just Transition for a Better World.
  • Prepare a 300-word pitch on the political potential of the concept of a just transition in the UK. The pitch should make clear its interactions with the book and the proposed scope and style of the essay.
  • Provide an example of previous writing– academic or otherwise – on a related topic (e.g. climate crisis, labour movement, political economy), around 1,500-3,000 words in length.
  • Send your pitch and previous writing to info@greenhousethinktank.org by midnight on Sunday 24th July.
  • The winner will be notified by 28July and asked to submit a 2,500-word essay by 21st August. Runners-up will also be invited to submit full-length essays for publication by Green House.
  • The winner will receive prize of £500 upon publication; have their essay designed and published by the Green European Foundation and Green House; and receive travel expenses to attend the UK launch of ‘A European Just Transition for a Better World’ in London on 20th September.

Practicalities

Entrants should be under the age of 30 or in full-time education at undergraduate or masters degree level. Please note that the Green European Foundation and Green House will retain the editorial control of all publications.

 

This contest is run by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green House think tank and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this contest.

Jul 01 2022
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“Just Transition For A Better World” Book Launch (London)

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Context

This event is organized by the Green European Foundation (GEF) with the support of Green House Think Tank as part of the transnational GEF Just Transition project.

This project tackles the question of a Just Transition – transforming from an extractive to a regenerative economy in a just and equitable way to find the necessary support among the population. It seeks to show that the green family, including GEF in its specific role, is a leading actor in the development of futureproof politics and policies, developed in a sensitive way that keeps in mind local specificities.

About the event 

As we argue in this book, a just transition requires a new social contract. A new contract for Europe – this time a social–ecological contract – can only be written from a global perspective, taking into account human rights and respect for nature worldwide. At the same time, this major transformation will need to be very context specific. The event will feature chapter authors introducing the concept of just transition, describing the Spanish experience, sectoral initiatives in agriculture and aviation, and the role of youth and climate justice movements.

Speakers

Chair: Natalie Bennett, former Green Party leader

  • Dirk Holemans, coordinator of Think Tank Oikos & Co-President of GEF
  • Joaquin Nieto, Former Director of the ILO Office for Spain
  • Anne Chapman, Green House Think Tank
  • Sean Currie, co-Spokesperson for the Federation of Young European Greens

Practicalities

Date: Tuesday 20th September

Time: Doors and drinks served from 17:00

Event starts at 18:00 and ends at 20:00

Location: Bookmarks bookshop, 1 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3QE

Registration: Sign up here

 

Additional Reading

Just Transition Is About Systemic Change

Just Transition Time for a Rethink

Coronavirus Recovery and Just Transition in Spain: A Unique Opportunity

“We should approach this transition as an opportunity”: An interview with Adam Tooze

 

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Green House think tank and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.

May 18 2022
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Just Transition Book Launch (Skopje)

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About the Event

During the book launch of the recently published ‘’A Just Transition in Europe for a Better World’’, the Authors are going to exchange about their research of the transition to an economy of the future. We will bring together Authors and speakers from the EU and the Balkans on this topic with their experiences and solutions to promote the importance of just transition.

We have to rethink production and consumption from the perspective of a social circular economy. Only if the transformation is executed in a just and fair way, it will find enough support among the population. With this project, we are researching the different dimensions of Just Transition and what are the politics and policies we should develop to change our economic realities.

Context

This event is part of the Green European Foundation’s Just Transition transnational project. The project looks into the question of transforming from an extractive to a regenerative economy in a just and equitable way to find the necessary support among the population. It seeks to show that the green family, including GEF in its specific role, is a leading actor in the development of future-proof politics and policies, developed in a sensitive way that keeps in mind local specificities.

This and more will be discussed this evening.

Speakers

  • Vedran Horvat, executive director of the Institute of Political Ecology (Croatia(ç) and co-author of the book.
  • Aleksandar Gjorgjievski, ASSED Sunrise (North Macedonia) and co-author of the book.
  • Žaklina Živković, Polekol & Right to Water Initiative (Serbia)
  • Stefan Boužarovski, Professor of Geography at the University of Manchester (United Kingdom)

Practicalities

When: 27th May 2022, 19:00h – 20:30h CEST

Where: Javna Soba, Skopje, North Macedonia

Format: In person

Language: The main language of this event will be in Macedonian with English interpretation

Registrations: If you’d like to attend please get in touch with adrian.toth@gef.eu for more information

 

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Sunrise and with the financial support of the European parliament to the Green European Foundation.

Apr 01 2022
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‘A European Just Transition for a Better World’ Book presentation (Brussels)

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Context

This event is organized by the Green European Foundation with the support of Oikos Think Tank and Member of European Parliament Sara Matthieu, to present the book on Just Transition, published within the GEF project Just Transition.

This transnational project tackles the question of a Just Transition – transforming from an extractive to a regenerative economy in a just and equitable way to find the necessary support among the population. It seeks to show that the green family, including GEF in its specific role, is a leading actor in the development of futureproof politics and policies, developed in a sensitive way that keeps in mind local specificities.

About the event 

As we argue in this book, a just transition requires a new social contract. A new contract for Europe – this time a social–ecological contract – can only be written from a global perspective, taking into account human rights and respect for nature worldwide. At the same time, this major transformation will need to be very context specific. The differences between European regions are enormous, not least in terms of income disparity between and within countries. So, too, are the financial, innovative and structural capacities to shape and implement the transformative changes that are needed. From these perspectives, we critically appreciate the European Commission’s Green Deal.

This and more will be discussed this evening.

Speakers

  • Sara Matthieu, Member of European Parliament (Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance)
  • Dirk Holemans, coordinator of Think Tank Oikos & Co-President of GEF
  • Joaquin Nieto, Former Director of the ILO Office for Spain
  • Anne Chapman, Green House Think Tank
  • Philippe Pochet, General Director of the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI)
  • Moderator: Annabelle Van Nieuwenhuyse

Practicalities:

Date: 11th May

Time: Doors open at 19:45h

Event starts at 20:00h and event ends at 21:30h, including a drink

Location: Zilverenzaal/Foyer en dakterras, Beursschouwburg Brussels (20 – 28 Rue Auguste Orts, 1000 Brussels).

Registrations: Registrations are open <<

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Oikos think tank and Member of the European Parliament Sara Matthieu and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.

Feb 22 2021
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A Just Transition in Agriculture

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This paper is part of the Green European Foundation’s Just Transition transnational project. The project looks into the question of transforming from an extractive to a regenerative economy in a just and equitable way in order to find the necessary support among the population. The project is focused on collecting and sharing insights on the development of future-proof politics and policies, developed in a sensitive way that keeps in mind local specificities. The project is, on behalf of GEF, coordinated by OIKOS (Belgium), who authored a framing paper, Climate, Jobs and Justice for a green and socially just transition, published in December 2020. The project partners are Green House Think Tank (UK), Institute for Political Ecology (Croatia); Sunrise (North-Macedonia), Transicion Verde (Spain), Federation of Young European Greens (FYEG) and Networked (Serbia). In 2020 these partners carried out various activities in their countries to increase awareness of the importance of a Just Transition. In 2021 they will collaborate on the production of a book showcasing the main challenges and opportunities around Just Transition, to be published in autumn 2021. This publication will feed into the broader scope of the project.

 

Download

Also available in Spanish.