The D4.2 report from the JUSTEM project, funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme, presents a comprehensive set of policy recommendations and 35 pilot projects aimed at accelerating the energy transition in six coal-dependent regions: Stara Zagora (Bulgaria), Istria (Croatia), Western Macedonia (Greece), Silesia (Poland), Jiu Valley (Romania), and Asturias (Spain).

Unlike technocratic approaches, the document is grounded in deliberative processes with local citizens to design public policies and projects that respond to real needs, particularly in contexts of energy vulnerability, unemployment, and loss of territorial identity.

The report includes over 60 policy recommendations and 35 pilot projects, many of which are already influencing national plans such as the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and regional strategies. The proposals are structured around four common pillars: energy efficiency in buildings, deployment of renewable energy, community empowerment, and inclusive employment. Building renovation emerges as the most cross-cutting measure, delivering benefits in energy savings, emissions reduction, improved comfort, and local job creation. The report also promotes the development of energy communities, one-stop-shops (OSS), awareness campaigns, and reskilling programmes.

JUSTEM demonstrates that a just energy transition cannot be imposed from above—it must be built locally, with people at its core. The report offers not only ideas but also concrete tools for authorities, businesses, NGOs, and citizens to transform their territories. The key lies in combining climate ambition with social sensitivity, recognising that energy justice is also territorial justice.