The New Social Contract: A Just Transition

Report launch and discussion

With keynote address from Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič

Wednesday 28^th September

15:30 – 17:30

FEPS office, rue Montoyer 40, 1000 Brussels

The Paris Agreement is the moment at which world leaders committed to ending the use of fossil fuels and limiting global temperature to below 1.5 degrees. The business case for innovating investing in clean technology is now unquestionable. The combination of emerging clean technology business models and supporting policy adds further pressure on workers, regions and businesses dependent on fossil fuels, which are already in decline. It is essential to avoid the potentially poisonous politics of fear which normally emerges as economies and societies undergo a paradigm shift to ensure the move towards clean energy and sustainable consumption is meaningful for all.

Some of the changes needed to meet our Paris Agreement obligations are already happening through the increasing penetration of networked, smart and clean technology. Conventional climate and energy policy is driving this. Little attention has focused on how to manage the transition where it is most difficult.

We explore this second generation of climate and energy policy required to manage a series of inclusive, fair and just transitions for workers, communities and regions most affected by this change. Real leadership, ownership, accountability and management are essential ingredients for these transitions to be successful. It is vital that a new, inclusive way of governing is developed to ensure that citizens, workers, communities and future generations are part of this decision-making and management process.

The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and Change Partnership, will outline the practical steps needed to undertake and manage transitions at a regional, national and European scale. The results will be published in a report which we invite you to come and discuss with us.

Keynote address:

Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President in charge of Energy Union at the European Commission

Discussants:

Benjamin Denis, Advisor at ETUC

Sanjeev Kumar, Founder and Director of Change Partnership NGO

Kathleen Van Brempt, MEP and Vice-President of the S&D Group

Christophe Rouillon, Committee of the Regions

Chair: Charlotte Billingham, Executive Adviser at FEPS

To confirm and register your attendance, please, fill in this form 

Organised together with Change Partnership NGO: https://www.changepartnership.org