Just transition’s innovation in Estonia: from ashes to sustainability

This podcast episode explores how France and Poland are grappling with the social challenges of the energy transition as the EU prepares for major climate policy changes.  The discussion examines the links between housing and energy, the risks of energy poverty, and the political tensions around the new EU Emissions Trading System for buildings and road transport (ETS2). We also reflect on the EU’s new 2040 climate target and the postponement of ETS2, raising concerns about delayed decarbonisation and the urgent need to finalise and adopt the social climate plans in both countries. With national elections approaching in 2027, our guests discuss the broader reforms and investments needed to meet climate targets while protecting vulnerable households. 

In the latest episode, with our guest, Kostiantyn Krynytskyi, head of the energy department at Ecoaction, we discuss how just transition relates to Ukraine’s reconstruction, what the just transition progress is despite the war on Ukraine and how communities came together for transformative projects.  

In this episode of our podcast, with our guest, Zuzanna Sasiak, just transition policy officer at Bankwatch, we discuss the implementation of the Just Transition Fund in the six EU countries, the impact it had and its uncertain future.  

In the latest episode, with our guests, Mykola Kobets, researcher at Bankwatch and Anastasiia Nahorna, analyst at Transport and Environment, we discuss the Single Project Pipeline, its progress and impact on the Ukraine Reconstruction.  

In the latest episode, with our guest, Kertu Laherand, just transition campaigner in the Estonian Green Movement, we discuss the progress of the Just Transition Fund in Estonia, as well as transformative projects financed from the Fund. 

In this podcast episode, we focus on one of the EU’s most pressing social challenges: ensuring that the green transition leaves no one behind. As the EU prepares to roll out the Social Climate Fund and introduce the new EU Emissions Trading System (ETS2), we explore what these changes mean for housing, energy poverty and the fight against homelessness.  Bringing insights both from EU-wide and national perspectives, our guests Eva Schwab and Juraj Melichar discuss how EU Member States are shaping their national social climate plans, which solutions show real promise, and where critical gaps remain. Disclaimer: The Council of the European Union has agreed a binding target of a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, but with significant flexibilities and a one-year postponement of the second EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS2) for buildings and road transport (from 2027 to 2028). This risks delaying the EU’s urgent decarbonisation efforts and reducing resources available through the Social Climate Fund for the most vulnerable groups. A timely start to the implementation of the ambitious national social climate plans is therefore essential to protect those most at risk.   

This podcast episode explores the EU’s Social Climate Fund and development of the national social climate plans in central and eastern Europe. Drawing on recent publications by Bankwatch, E3G, Rescoop.eu and Oeko-Institut, our guests discuss the design of the plans and the extent of civil society involvement.   Join our guests Chris Vrettos, Kristina Zindulková and Zuzanna Sasiak for a discussion moderated by Maris Pedaja, in which they assess stakeholder participation, identify risks and good practices, and consider how early lessons can strengthen national spending plans and guide future EU budget negotiations.  Disclaimer: The Council of the European Union has agreed a binding 90 per cent greenhouse-gas reduction target by 2040, but with significant flexibilities and a one-year postponement of the second EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS2) for buildings and road transport (2027–2028). This risks delaying the EU’s urgent decarbonisation needs and reducing resources available through the Social Climate Fund for the most vulnerable groups. Therefore, a timely start to the implementation of the ambitious national social climate plans is essential to protect those most at risk.  

Cohesion policy is at a crossroads. While the mid-term review of the next EU budget was meant to give clarity to long-term funding priorities, the European Commission’s April communication on a modernised cohesion policy marks a fundamental shift in direction. In our latest podcast episode, we explore whether the mid-term review of the EU budget lives up to its goals. We ask the following questions: Are the national energy and climate plans integrated well enough? Will the challenges outlined in the Commission’s 2024 country-specific recommendations be met? Should large companies benefit from cohesion funding? What roles do affordable housing, water, and even defence have to play? And, perhaps most crucially, what does the Commission’s communication mean for democracy and public participation? Join our guests Florian Marin and Bogdan-Alexandru Chelariu as they discuss these pressing issues and more, offering a vital social angle on the next EU budget.  

Partizánske may be a small town in Slovakia, but it has major potential to cut emissions. In collaboration with the town’s local authority and other stakeholders, CEPA–Friends of the Earth Slovakia have begun collecting data and laying the groundwork for a modernised district heating system. In the latest episode of our ‘decarbonisation roadmap’ podcast series, we speak to Lenka Ilčíková, our just transition campaigner, about how Partizánske could lead the way towards smarter energy use. 

Petroșani, a town in Romania’s Jiu Valley, located in one of the country’s six just transition regions, suffers from high energy poverty. Despite a lack of national data, recent research by Bankwatch – conducted in close collaboration with local stakeholders – shows that Petroșani could become a prime example of a place-based solution – one that aligns climate action with social justice. In the latest episode of our ‘decarbonisation roadmap’ podcast series, we speak with Laura Nazare, our energy transformation campaigner from Bankwatch Romania, about the unique challenges Petroșani faces in addressing energy poverty.