Eastern Greater Poland at the center of the European debate on the future of coal regions

For two days, Konin and Eastern Greater Poland hosted the Annual Political Dialogue (APD) – an event of exceptional importance, which brought together representatives of 49 countries and EU, state and local government institutions, entrepreneurs, and experts. The meeting was organized under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the main organizer was the Initiative for Coal Regions in Transition, in cooperation with the European Commission (DG ENER), the Local Government of the Wielkopolska Province, and the Regional Development Agency S.A. in Konin, with the participation of the Just Transition Fund and the LIFE AFTER COAL PL project.

The event served as a symbolic confirmation of the role of Eastern Greater Poland in the process of a just energy transition in Europe. Participants debated the future of coal regions, the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition, post-coal investments, the development of renewable energy sources, and programs to improve employee qualifications.

Marshal Marek Woźniak and Mayor of Konin Piotr Korytkowski emphasized the importance of social dialogue and the effective use of EU funds, including €414 million from the Just Transition Fund for Eastern Greater Poland. They pointed to the need to continue supporting regions in transition and further developing EU cohesion policy.

As part of the LIFE AFTER COAL PL project, a study visit was organized during which participants could see practical examples of transformation in the region, including a geothermal heating plant, the Academy of Applied Sciences, and the ZE PAK power plant.

The annual Political Dialogue in Konin sent a clear signal to Europe that a just transition of coal regions is possible and requires further support and cooperation at many levels.