Launch of the exchange programme for coal, lignite, peat and oil shale regions in the EU

A new exchange programme for regions producing coal, lignite, peat and oil shale, known as “coal+ regions”, has been launched this week, aimed at helping them to achieve a just energy transition.

Called exchangeEU, the multidisciplinary programme matches coal+ regions with their peers to deepen their understanding of each other’s challenges around the transition process. This will bring together delegates from regions across the EU to share insights and create unique opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, peer-to-peer learning, and networking.

Whether coal+ regions are just beginning their transition journey, or are more advanced in the process, exchangeEU encourages stakeholders from a wide variety of backgrounds to apply and help leverage the unique learnings of each region. It will strive to create a community and network of practitioners with a lasting impact through a demand-driven programme design, tailored to the needs of the participating regions. A region will be selected based on how well its profile aligns with a potential partner region.

The call for applications was launched at the Just Transition Platform Meeting on 15 November 2021 and will run until 14 January 2022.

ExchangeEU is part of the Coal regions in transition initiative and is implemented by the European Commission.

Related links

• EU coal regions exchange programme