Transforming Europe: A Bold Vision for Climate Justice
The European Left and the European Alliance for a Just Transition: Advocating Climate and Social Justice Over Corporate Interests
The European Alliance for a Just Transition is a broad coalition of trade unions, civil society organizations, and progressive political actors united by the urgent need to ensure that the transition to a green economy is both fair and inclusive. Recognizing the devastating social and economic consequences that unregulated transitions can have—especially for workers, marginalized communities, and regions heavily dependent on carbon-intensive industries—the Alliance works to promote policies that put social justice at the heart of climate action.
The Party of the European Left (EL) considers its participation in the European Alliance for a Just Transition as not only necessary but essential. As a political force advocating social equality, workers’ rights, and environmental sustainability, the EL firmly believes that the fight for climate justice cannot be separated from the fight against neoliberal policies that prioritize corporate profits over people’s well-being. The Alliance provides a crucial platform to collectively push for transformative policies that challenge the status quo and ensure that the transition to a sustainable future leaves no one behind.
A significant milestone in this joint effort is the recent publication of the Alliance’s Vision for a Just Transition document (available here in multiple languages), which the EL has proudly endorsed. This document outlines concrete demands for the European Commission (EC) to adopt a just transition framework rooted in social justice, democratic participation, and public investment. It explicitly calls on the EC to engage with the Alliance’s proposals, a demand further reinforced by the fact that the Vision for a Just Transition has been officially presented to six Commissioners, accompanied by requests for meetings to discuss its implementation.
The Party of the European Left strongly asserts that the European Commission must provide space and recognition to initiatives like the European Alliance for a Just Transition, rather than prioritizing the powerful corporate lobbies that too often shape EU policies. The transition to a green economy cannot be dictated by neoliberal interests; it must be a democratic, inclusive process driven by the needs of workers, communities, and the planet.
STENGHTENING DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION
To reinforce democratic decision-making, the European Alliance for a Just Transition calls for the institutionalization of citizen participation. Workers, trade unions, and local communities must have a formal role in shaping EU and national just transition policies, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs of those most affected.
FOSSIL FUEL PHASE-OUT WITH SOCIAL PROTECTION
A truly just transition requires a clear and binding phase-out of fossil fuels, accompanied by comprehensive social protection measures for workers in carbon-intensive industries. The EU must prioritize publicly funded reskilling programmes, wage guarantees, and regional economic diversification strategies to prevent economic displacement.
GLOBAL SOLIDARITY AND TRADE JUSTICE
Europe’s just transition must not come at the expense of the Global South. The EU must promote fair trade policies, climate finance, and debt relief for countries disproportionately impacted by climate change, while ensuring that European green industries do not exploit workers or resources abroad.
A CALL TO ACTION FOR A JUST FUTURE
The European Alliance for a Just Transition envisions a future where no worker, community, or region is left behind in the shift to a sustainable economy. This requires decisive action from policymakers to implement a legally binding EU Just Transition Directive, substantial public investment in green infrastructure and social services, and an enhanced role for workers and civil society in shaping climate policies.
Furthermore, the transition must be rooted in fairness, ensuring that economic shifts do not disproportionately burden those already facing hardship. A clear roadmap for the phase-out of fossil fuels, alongside strong social protection measures, is essential for preventing economic displacement and securing long-term employment in green industries. Additionally, Europe’s responsibility extends beyond its borders—global solidarity must be a pillar of this transition, ensuring that trade and investment strategies do not deepen inequalities in the Global South.
By embracing these principles and prioritizing people over profit, the EL reaffirms its commitment to a Europe where climate action and social justice go hand in hand.
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