Presentation of the study: “Empowering Coal Workers for a Green European Future in the Western Balkans”
The 9th “Friends of the Western Balkans” conference was held in Podgorica, organized by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS). This distinguished event brings together political leaders, policymakers, the academic community, civil society representatives, and experts to foster regional cooperation and accelerate European integration. By engaging in dialogue on democratic values, socio-economic development, and geopolitical challenges, the conference serves as a vital platform for articulating progressive policies that shape the European future of the region.
During this significant gathering, Balša Božović, Executive Director of the Academy for Democratic Development (ADD), and Maja Pupovac, project collaborator, presented the preliminary findings of the study titled “Empowering Coal Workers for a Green European Future in the Western Balkans”.
The energy transition and the phase-out of coal represent a complex process that demands far more than simple technological shifts. The research highlights the imperative of a “just transition” that must be inclusive, evidence-based, and focused on ensuring the well-being of local communities. The study provides a profound analysis of the profiles of coal-mining communities, examining the specific needs of workers, their attitudes toward change, and the socio-economic and political factors influencing transition processes.
This research constitutes the first phase of a regional project led by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), in collaboration with Progresiva and the Max van der Stoel Foundation (FMS). The initiative is implemented with the support of a coalition of regional partners:
The Academy for Democratic Development (ADD) in Serbia;
The Fund for Progressive Policies in Montenegro;
The Network of Progressive Initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
The Progres Institute in North Macedonia;
The Institute for Social Policies in Kosovo.
