Eurofound's EU PolicyWatch collates information on the responses of government and social partners to the COVID-19 crisis, the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, as well as gathering examples of company practices aimed at mitigating the social and economic impacts.
Factsheet for measure NL-2021-1/3662 – measures in Netherlands
Country | Netherlands , applies nationwide |
Time period | Temporary, 01 January 2021 – 31 December 2027 |
Context | Green Transition |
Type | Legislations or other statutory regulations |
Category |
Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery into a green future
– Financing the green transition |
Author | Thomas de Winter (Panteia) and Eurofound |
Measure added | 17 December 2024 (updated 14 May 2025) |
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)
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.
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.
Workers | Businesses | Citizens |
---|---|---|
Particular professions
|
Sector specific set of companies
|
Does not apply to citizens |
Actors | Funding |
---|---|
National government
Local / regional government |
European Funds
|
Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:
Trade unions | Employers' organisations | |
---|---|---|
Role | Consulted | Consulted |
Form | Unknown | Unknown |
Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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.
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.
Citation
Eurofound (2024), Just Transition Fund (JTF), measure NL-2021-1/3662 (measures in Netherlands), EU PolicyWatch, Dublin, https://static.eurofound.europa.eu/covid19db/cases/NL-2021-1_3662.html
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