Policy Paper: Advancing a Just Urban Transition

This policy paper highlights the need for European Union (EU) policymakers to enable local governments in promoting inclusive and socially fair urban transitions. It uses the energy transition as an example to illustrate both the achievements and challenges faced by local governments in ensuring climate actions that genuinely support their most disadvantaged residents. This paper advocates for a combined and synergistic top-down and bottom-up approach, urging the European Commission to enhance policies and better empower local governments to overcome barriers and advance a just energy transition. In particular the forthcoming Social Climate Fund is identified as a key opportunity to provide support.