Factsheet for measure
NL-2021-1/3662
– measures in Netherlands
Just Transition Fund (JTF)
Fonds voor een Rechtvaardige Transitie
Background information
The Just Transition Fund (JTF) in the Netherlands supports regions facing significant socio-economic challenges due to the climate transition. It focuses on promoting economic diversification, upskilling workers, and fostering green jobs in sectors impacted by the transition. The fund, backed by €623 million from the EU and co-financing from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, supports innovative projects in areas like green hydrogen, electrification, and circular economy. Regional agencies oversee the fund's implementation through collaboration with businesses, educational institutions, and public bodies.(Ministerie van Economische Zaken en Klimaat)
Content of measure
The Just Transition Fund (JTF) in the Netherlands is dedicated to assisting regions affected by the green transition by financing various projects aimed at fostering green jobs, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing skills development. Eligible recipients of this funding include businesses, regional authorities, and educational institutions actively contributing to sustainable initiatives. The JTF provides a total of 623 million Euro, co-financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. This fund targets sectors involved in renewable energy, electrification, and other green technologies. The goal is to support the transition to a low-carbon economy while ensuring economic growth and workforce resilience.
Use of measure
The JTF plans to invest in training of 49,000 workers that currently work in the fossil fuels sector. This will equip them with new skills to work in renewable and climate neutral industries.
As of mid-2024, the Dutch JTF had allocated €218 million (approximately 35% of the total €623 million available budget) to approved projects across the six designated regions. The funded interventions were mainly focused on labour market and training programmes, sustainable economic development, and energy transition infrastructure. According to the evaluation, around 40% of funding went to human capital projects, including reskilling, upskilling, and support for employment transitions—particularly targeting workers in CO₂-intensive industries.
Approximately 130 projects had been granted funding by mid-2024, with implementation varying between regions. Among the most advanced regions, Zuid-Limburg and Groot-Rijnmond were noted for progressing quickly with project execution, while others (e.g. Groningen-Emmen) faced delays due to administrative and capacity constraints.
The evaluation highlights that labour market impacts are still developing, but initial indicators suggest that the JTF is supporting early-stage employment transitions, strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, and preparing sectors such as green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals for future labour demand. However, it also notes that the visibility of the fund remains limited among SMEs and some local actors, and recommends stronger communication, monitoring, and learning mechanisms.
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
Local / regional government
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European Funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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|
Role
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Consulted
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Consulted
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Form
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Unknown
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Unknown
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Social partners jointly
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Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
In the Dutch Just Transition Fund, social partners were involved primarily during the design phase. Their involvement was institutionally requested, as consultations are mandated under the EU’s framework for developing Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs). Employers' organisations and trade unions were consulted to ensure workforce needs and regional economic priorities were addressed.
Organisations such as regional trade unions, employers’ organisations and development agencies within the region have participated by contributing their expertise on industrial transitions and labor market strategies.
During the implementation phase, social partners have contributed indirectly by advising on training programs and supporting green business initiatives. However, their monitoring role was limited, mostly when it came to providing feedback on workforce outcomes and regional development progress.
Views and reactions
When it comes to the views of social partners on the JTF measure, it can be said that the general response to it has been positive, though they have had some issues when it comes to its approach. Particularly, they have called for some clarity when it comes to the eligibility criteria and quicker fund disbursement.
Sources
