Jiu Valley: Romania will receive over 2 billion euros for the energy transition of coal-dependent regions

In the context of the transition to a green and sustainable economy, Romania will receive 2.14 billion euros from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) to support coal-dependent regions in their efforts to phase out this fossil fuel and adopt sources of renewable energy.

This fund is part of the EU’s cohesion policy and aims to mitigate the social and economic impact of the transition to climate neutrality, foreseen for 2050.

Although the Valea Jiului region, once famous for its outstanding mining industry, has seen a significant decline over the past three decades – only about 4,000 workers are still employed in the sector, compared to more than 50,000 miners in 1990 – the region is now witnessing a change, more precisely through several EU-funded projects that contribute to more sustainable development and economic growth.

The just transitions plans, developed by the national and regional authorities, aim to support the most affected communities, through economic diversification and the creation of new jobs, especially in the field of green technologies.

A clear objective for Romania, in accordance with the commitments made under the European Ecological Pact, is the complete elimination of coal by 2032. This decision is an essential step in combating climate change and achieving a sustainable economy.