Context
The Małopolska Region is one of five regions in Poland covered by the Just Transition Plan, with direct intervention focused on the Western Małopolska subregion. Due to its mining heritage and long-term hard coal extraction, this area is closely linked to the Silesian Region. Two mining facilities remain in operation: the Brzeszcze Mining Plant and the Janina Mining Plant.
Ongoing energy transition and decarbonisation processes place Western Małopolska before challenges similar to those faced by Silesia. According to the Territorial Just Transition Plan of the Silesian Region 2030, covering both the Silesian Region and Western Małopolska, the subregion forms part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin and is undergoing long-term mining, energy, and economic transformation.
Decarbonisation entails a risk of socio-economic marginalisation, already reflected in adverse demographic and economic trends. Forecasts of Statistics Poland indicate that population of Western Małopolska may decline by up to 25% by 2060.
Without coordinated public action, there is a risk of decreasing public trust in the transition process, intensified outmigration to major urban centres, and a permanent reduction of the region’s development potential. In this context, implementing systemic solutions for monitoring just transition, strengthening cooperation among stakeholders, and increasing local community engagement becomes crucial.
Objectives
The project is addressed to residents of Western Małopolska and key stakeholders of the just transition process, including local governments, public institutions, entrepreneurs, civil society organisations, and expert communities. Its main objective is to establish a durable and integrated system for monitoring the just transition in Western Małopolska and to build a cooperation network among key stakeholders, covering social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
The project focuses on developing mechanisms of interinstitutional cooperation, creating joint initiatives and value chains, integrating educational and consultation activities, and monitoring impacts of energy, economic, and social transformation in the region.
An important component of the project is improving dialogue between public administration and local communities, as well as defining local development directions based on the region’s endogenous potential.
A key outcome will be the development of a monitoring system based on thematic studies, analyses of residents’ and entrepreneurs’ opinions, and a set of social, economic, and environmental indicators. The system will support assessment of transformation impacts, identification of barriers, and formulation of recommendations for regional and local public decision-making.
Another important outcome will be the preparation of Local Just Transition Plans, developed with local stakeholders, defining future development directions, and supporting partnerships and interinstitutional cooperation.
Implementation
The project will be implemented in the years 2025–2029 by the Małopolska Region and combines research activities with social participation, networking, and animation measures. These actions aim to build durable interinstitutional cooperation, initiate joint development initiatives, and create systemic mechanisms supporting the just transition process in Western Małopolska.
The project consists of two complementary modules. The research module includes a socio-economic diagnosis of the subregion, identification of stakeholder needs, development of a research plan, and creation of a transformation monitoring system based on cyclical research and analyses.
The participatory and educational module focuses on strengthening dialogue and cooperation among just transition stakeholders. It supports the development of joint initiatives and value chains, preparation of new projects addressing transformation challenges, and knowledge exchange through the Just Transition Programme Council. Educational and information activities, such as workshops, conferences, seminars, and study visits, promote good practices and mutual learning.
The project is aligned with the key regional and national strategic documents, including the Territorial Just Transition Plan of the Silesian Region 2030, the Małopolska 2030 Development Strategy, and the European Funds for Małopolska 2021–2027 programme. It is also listed as a key project in the Małopolska Investment Plan 2030.