Background information

The project focuses on leveraging private funds to support just transition to sustainable and fair energy and industrial systems in Europe. In the Netherlands, this project ties into the national commitment to EU climate objectives, including the Green Deal and Just Transition Mechanism. The country emphasizes transitioning its industrial and energy sectors to sustainable models while safeguarding workers' rights and livelihoods. The Dutch government collaborates with private entities and unions to align funding mechanisms with climate and labor priorities, ensuring equitable outcomes. This aligns with broader European efforts but tailored to local industry and labor market specifics.

Content of measure

The aim of the project is to direct private funds towards achieving a just transition supporting industries as well as communities when it comes to moving towards sustainable practices while safeguarding social equity and employment. The primary target of this project are workers in a carbon-intensive industries across the EU, which includes the Netherlands. When it comes to eligibility criteria, it extends to industrial sectors which are transitioning into green technologies, and that have partnerships between businesses, labor uniions as well as governments.

The support provided by this initiative involves both public and private investments, aimed at facilitating a just transition. While the exact amount varies based on regional needs and specific projects, funding is often channeled through EU programs like the Just Transition Mechanism. The goal is to stimulate investments that help with workforce re-skilling, enhance social protections, and drive industrial innovation, particularly in sectors most impacted by climate change policies.

Use of measure

The specific number of workers, citizens or companies which are eligible for this funding is 350,000 in the metal and technology sector.

Contents

• Social protection, incl. pension
• Training and employability

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Particular professions	Sector specific set of companies	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
Social partners jointly	European Funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative	Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Social partners jointly
• Main level of involvement: Sectoral or branch level

Involvement

It is the employers’ organisations and trade unions that are actively involved in this project, specifically in the consultation and negotiation process. This particular role is crucial for both sectoral and regional levels, because it ensures that the industry as well as workers’ interests are represented.

Social partners played an essential role in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the project. Their involvement was not only requested by the institutional setting but also actively demanded by the social partner organisations themselves to ensure fair representation and outcomes. Key stakeholders, including trade unions and employers' associations, were deeply engaged in shaping the measures, by providing input on labor protections and the impact on industries. These organisations contributed by offering insights on workforce needs, ensuring the measures supported both businesses and workers during the green transition.

Views and reactions

Generally, social partners have a supportive stance when it comes to this measure, and though they recognise its importance, they might have some concerns regarding the allocation of funds and the speed of transition. In this case, trade unions have raised concerns that there is a need for stronger worker protections.

Sectors and occupations

This case is not occupation-specific.

Sources

• 01 May 2024: Directing Private Funds for funding a Just Transition: An approach from the Pension Fund for Metal and Technology employees in the Netherlands. (news.industriall-europe.eu)