The European Parliament supported assistance to regions affected by the phasing out of fossil fuels

According to the report, the European Commission must adopt a directive on a just transition to avoid job losses in regions affected by the 'green' and digital transitions.

Members of the European Parliament urged the European Commission to require EU member states to develop and implement just transition strategies and monitor their implementation, protect workers from unfair dismissals, guarantee them the right to paid training during working hours, create real jobs, and abandon the plan to abolish the Just Transition Fund by 2028. This fund is not included in the EU budget proposal for 2028–2034. "It is unclear how this is even possible," commented Jana Toom. "The consequences of the transition will not go away. The EU has an objective moral obligation to support affected regions even after 2027."

"For the labor market, a just transition means three things: we must protect workers from unexpected job loss, give them the opportunity to learn, and allow them to influence changes," said European Commissioner for Crisis Management and Equality, Hajia Labib, during the report discussion. "The European Commission is determined to make Europe a place where companies can invest and innovate, and where workers receive support in a changing labor market... If the report is adopted, the European Commission is ready to assess its findings and consider further steps within the constraints set by treaties and in accordance with existing legislation."

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) participated in the preparation of the report. According to ETUC confederal secretary Ludovic Voet, Brussels has neglected its responsibilities for too long while the situation for workers has only worsened: "In the chaotic plant closures and layoffs that are currently plaguing Europe, there are no winners. Europe is permanently losing its industrial potential, and workers are finding it increasingly difficult to find equally good jobs... This vote sends a clear signal to the European Commission: workers across Europe can no longer wait."

"Today's event is important not only for Estonia," said Jana Toom. "From 2019 to 2023, over a million jobs were lost in the EU's industrial sector, and while there are several reasons for this, it is clear that the 'green' course has exacerbated the situation. From the very beginning, it was clear that the transition would only be just if assistance was provided to regions affected by the phasing out of fossil fuels. So far, this transition has only been just in words. Financial support has been insufficient, member states have often helped affected regions half-heartedly, and lost jobs have not been properly recreated – and Estonia is unfortunately no exception. Our report is a step towards correcting this situation."

The report "Directive on Just Transition in Employment" falls under the category of legislative reports initiated by the European Parliament. In other words, the European Commission is obliged to take the European Parliament's position into account when developing relevant legal acts. In this case, it concerns the package "Quality Jobs Roadmap," which is included in the European Commission's work plan for the second quarter of this year.