MEP Marcin Sypniewski (ESN) has challenged the European Commission over mass redundancies in Upper Silesia, questioning whether the Just Transition Fund (JTF) is effectively creating sustainable jobs. In a written parliamentary question on 19 June 2026, Sypniewski pointed to two recent layoff announcements: Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa's redundancy programme for up to 4,248 employees in May 2026, and the Stellantis factory in Tychy laying off 740 workers, which he attributed to EU emission standards. He argued that despite over €2 billion allocated to Silesia from the JTF, the region is experiencing accelerated deindustrialisation and structural unemployment.
The MEP's question contains three concrete asks. First, he calls for an independent audit of JTF effectiveness in Silesia to assess whether funds have created a sufficient number of sustainable jobs. Second, he asks whether the Commission is investigating the link between EU climate policy and mass redundancies in JTF regions. Third, he proposes reorienting JTF priorities and making its budget more flexible to save regional economic potential and tackle unemployment.
Sypniewski's question reflects a cleavage between EU climate ambitions and regional economic stability. The JTF, designed to cushion the social impact of the green transition, is now under scrutiny for failing to deliver alternatives at pace. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it sees a need to adjust the fund's design or acknowledge unintended consequences of climate policy on coal and industrial regions.
Workers in Silesia face job losses and uncertain prospects if JTF funds are not effectively creating alternatives. Regional authorities may face pressure to demand more flexibility in fund allocation. EU climate policy credibility could be undermined if transition costs are not adequately mitigated. The Commission must balance maintaining climate ambition with addressing concrete economic dislocations.