Just Transition Processes for Coal Communities in Lviv and Volyn Regions Discussed at Lviv Regional Military Administration

Representatives of coal communities presented successful projects implemented within the framework of the Just Transition. They discussed key challenges, development prospects, and strategic visions for transformation processes, as well as investment attraction and the expansion of economic opportunities for communities.  

The roundtable discussion, "Just Transition of Coal Communities: Experience, Prospects, Cooperation," included participation from representatives of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, GIZ Ukraine, the Lviv Regional Military Administration, coal communities, and academic institutions.  

"I am very pleased that we can now assess the results of the first three to four years of our Just Transition program, particularly the work carried out in mining settlements to develop new economic opportunities for residents. This effort aims to encourage people to stay in their communities—or even return—by finding new opportunities, including through international funding mechanisms.  

At the same time, we are preparing to extend this program for another three years, until 2028. Now is the perfect time to discuss the experience gained from implementing the program and identify areas for improvement in the coming years," stated Cyriac Massué, a representative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.  

"I want to thank the German government and GIZ for everything they have done and continue to do for our coal communities. I am confident that the Just Transition Fund will become a new opportunity for communities to implement transformation projects while also providing greater financial independence.  

We hope that GIZ will continue to support promising community projects. Positive experiences that lead to good results should be expanded. I am convinced that our communities will soon reach a new level by learning from each other. These processes will have a tangible impact on the lives of every resident in coal-dependent regions," stated Andriy Tabinskyy, CEO of the Association of Coal Communities of Ukraine.

The action plan was developed with support from the "Just Transition of Coal Regions and Green Energy Recovery in Ukraine" project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz.