The European Union has launched a regional project to support a fair energy transition in the Western Balkans, focusing on coal-dependent regions, industries and workers. The project, titled "European Union Support to Facilitate a Just Transition for Western Balkans Regions, Industries and Workers", was unveiled on 10 June 2026 in Sarajevo at an event hosted by the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Funded by the EU and implemented by Expertise France in partnership with the Slovenian Centre for International Cooperation and Development, the initiative aims to help Western Balkan partners translate energy-transition objectives into practical steps that protect people, strengthen local development and prepare credible pathways towards finance and implementation. The launch event brought together representatives of the EU, France, institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, regional organisations, municipalities, civil society and partners from across the Western Balkans.
Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, said at the launch: "Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to some of the Western Balkans' most important coal regions, which will be at the centre of the transition to a cleaner and more competitive energy future. Through JET Balkans, the European Union is supporting coal regions across the region in developing the skills, plans and investments needed for a fair transition." He added that candidate countries are expected to advance on this path in line with their European perspective, and that a Team Europe approach with France and regional partners ensures the transition protects workers and communities.
Nicolas Chenet, Director of the Sustainable Development Department at Expertise France, stated: "Just transition is where technical cooperation can add real value: by helping partners move from policy objectives to implementation that is fair, practical and trusted. This project will support evidence-based choices, structured dialogue, territorial analysis, workforce-related work, financing preparation and selected pilot initiatives."
The project will tailor support to local realities rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, recognising that coal-dependent communities, industrial centres, municipalities and workers face different risks and opportunities across the Western Balkans. Over the coming months, work will begin with consultations across the region, mapping of transition needs, and data collection to guide future support.
Impact on stakeholders
- Coal-dependent workers and communities in the Western Balkans: The project aims to protect them by developing skills, plans and investments for a fair transition, but the actual impact depends on the effectiveness of implementation and the availability of alternative employment.
- National and local authorities in Western Balkan countries: They receive technical assistance and evidence-based support to design transition pathways, but may face administrative burdens in coordinating with EU and French implementing partners.
- EU institutions and Member States (notably France): The project advances EU climate and enlargement objectives in the region, but requires financial and technical resources that could be used elsewhere.
- Energy companies and industries in coal regions: They face pressure to transition, but may benefit from financing preparation and pilot initiatives that help them adapt.
The project is expected to run over several years, with no specific end date announced. No prior EU coverage of this initiative exists in the last 180 days.