The ENTRANCES project, funded by the European Union, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of its Final Conference in Brussels on September 5th and 6th, 2023. The vibrant city served as the backdrop for a two-day event that showcased the pivotal discoveries of the project, specifically addressing challenges associated with the energy transition in thirteen regions across nine EU and associated countries entrenched in coal mining and carbon-intensive practices.
Throughout the conference, distinguished policy makers and local experts actively engaged in thought-provoking discussions, offering policy and practical recommendations at both the EU and regional levels. The primary focus was to foster dialogue and collaboration, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable and informed approach to the ongoing energy transition in these critical regions.
Ricardo Garcia Mira, the ENTRANCES project coordinator, opened the conference with a compelling address, reiterating the project’s core objectives centered on exploring the social aspects of the energy transition in the identified regions. Highlighting the significance of deterritorialization, he emphasized its crucial role in bridging the gap between territory and communities, guiding policy-making to establish vital connections.
Manuela Jane Conconi, Project Officer of CINEA, congratulated the consortium for completing 13 case studies amidst the challenges posed by the global pandemic. She stressed that while the ENTRANCES project concludes, its research work will continue to shape the future under the guidance of other researchers.
Sander Happaerts, Policy Coordinator of the Just Transition Fund – DG Region, underscored the project’s immense significance for policymakers across Europe, emphasizing the need for collaboration between local institutions to drive effective transitions.
Fabio Domanico, Deputy Head of Unit – Fair Green and Digital Transition, commended the ENTRANCES project for providing invaluable evidence on economic, employment, and social policy aspects in the study regions, shaping policies for the future.
Mags Bird from the WWF European Policy Office extended congratulations on the successful completion of the project, praising the consortium for sharing substantial and meaningful results.
Ricardo García Mira concluded the conference by summarizing key takeaways, emphasizing the imperative need for collaboration across disciplines to achieve a real transformation of territory and enhance the quality of life in the region.
The ENTRANCES project has made a lasting impact on the landscape of clean energy transition in coal-intensive regions, and the knowledge and collaborations forged during the Final Conference will continue to guide the path toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
