The fifth Annual Political Dialogue of the Initiative for coal regions in transition, will be held from 11-12 July in Velenje, Slovenia.
This event is organized by the European Commission, the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development of Slovenia, and the Municipality of Velenje. It will bring together stakeholders from across the EU’s coal, peat, lignite, and oil shale regions to review progress since the initiative’s inception in 2018 and address contemporary energy challenges. From SITRANS, SZ Reda will join the event.
Notable speakers at the event include Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight; Aleksander Jevšek, Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development of Slovenia; and Peter Dermol, Mayor of Velenje.
The opening session will celebrate five years of the EU’s coal+ regions in transition, highlighting the industrial and green transformations within these areas. Following this, an exhibition will showcase the conversion of brownfields and coal mines into business districts, energy sites, and cultural landmarks. Key sessions will focus on addressing energy poverty and empowering citizens for the energy transition, alongside practical site visits.
Day two will feature discussions on modernizing district heating systems and ensuring social and inclusive transitions in coal+ regions. For further details, refer to the event’s detailed agenda.
