MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT MECHANISM OF JUST ENERGY TRANSITION TRAJECTORIES. DO JUST TRANSITION OBSERVATORIES MATTER?just energy transition trajectories. Do Just Transition Observatories matter?

Abstract

The primary aim of the European Green Deal is to move towards climate neutrality in a socially just and inclusive way. To this end, the EU has set up the so-called ‘Just Transition Mechanism’ (JTM), which will provide funding and technical assistance to the regions of the EU most affected by the transition to a green economy. However, in addition to securing sufficient resources and providing technical assistance for their utilisation, a critical factor for the successful outcome of the transition in coal-dependent regions is the establishment of effective monitoring/assessment mechanisms and place-based governance models. This reflects the departure of European politics from horizontal and one-size-fits-all policies. This is done for two reasons: (a) the utilisation of local knowledge and local territorial capital deals better with problems and (b) the transfer of the level of decision-making and implementation of policies as close as possible to the citizens to whom they concern. An effective governance model; however, should be accompanied by an effective mechanism for scientifically monitoring, analysing, evaluating, and formulating substantiated policy proposals. Setting up and operating a Just Transition Observatory could be a valuable support mechanism, provided it has the presumption of multi-level expertise and objectivity, deep knowledge of local specificities and legitimacy to institutionally represent the public interest at the local level. Such an Observatory could function as an independent evaluation body (with periodic reports or focused studies) in the course of the Energy Transition Programmes, identifying potential difficulties, recording impacts, results and outcomes, as well as providing policy recommendations. Given that Just Transition Plans include a number of important transformational policies and transformative plans, the crucial question that arises is whether regional and central policy makers have the tools to evaluate these transformational policies and transformative projects. In this regard, it is necessary to design evaluation models based on predefined indicators and criteria that will be jointly defined in the context of public consultation. This will ensure objectivity on the basis of commonly agreed indicators and objectives, while also guaranteeing the legitimacy and acceptance of both strategic policies and specific investment plans. This paper attempts to examine to what extent there is room for the establishment of ‘Just Transition Observatories’ Platforms along the coal-dependent areas. More specifically, the potential of such mechanism to monitor, analyse and evaluate clean energy transition, and provide robust policy recommendations, will be explored. To this end, Just Transition Observatories will operate as an independent evaluation mechanism producing evidence-based reports and studies on clean energy transition. Thus, the Observatories will be able to deliver periodic reports based on indicators, comparative analysis and policy recommendations. In addition to this, such mechanisms could enhance networking at the EU, national and local level, mobilising scientific dialogue and debate on clean energy transition.