EU support to facilitate just transition for Western Balkans regions, industries and workers (2024MCP) A just transition ensures that the substantial benefits of a green economy are shared widely, and the concerns faced by fossil fuel-dependent regions, industries and the affected communities are addressed during the transition process and beyond, in line with the 2050 target of achieving climate neutrality in line with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans[1] (supporting the alignment of the Western Balkans with the goals of the European Green Deal[2]). This entails the adoption of necessary measures to protect those that are most vulnerable and affected by the changes. The present action ¿EU support to facilitate just transition for Western Balkans regions, industries and workers¿ aims to support the Western Balkans in managing the transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral economy, with a focus on just and fair transition away from coal and carbon-intensive industries. The planned activities are in the areas of energy, environment and climate resilience, economic development (including private sector, trade and macroeconomic support), and human development (including human capital and youth) in line with the Economic Investment Plan for the Western Balkans[3], the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the IPA III Programming Framework for the period 2021-2027[4]. The specific objectives of the action are to: i) improve the understanding of the challenges and opportunities linked to the just transition through coherent strategy and policy development; ii) strengthen the engagement with the private sector and international financing institutions to support implementation of projects that enable just transition, including the introduction of new technologies; and iii) foster dialogue and actively engage government authorities, municipalities and citizens and other relevant stakeholders in decision-making for just transition pathways. This action will deploy the necessary technical assistance to support the implementation of strategies that mitigate commercial, economic, social and environmental impacts of the transition and support human development and social assistance; mobilise finance from the private sector to support regional and industrial transformation and translate roadmaps into investment plans; facilitate and ensure the implementation of pilot projects; and enhance the dialogue on just transition between the Western Balkans partners and also with the EU Member States and other stakeholders.[1] SWD (2020) 223 final[2] COM(2019) 640 final[3] COM (2020) 641 final[4] COM(2021) 8914 final