Just Transition in Poland and the European Union: A New Policy Frontier and the Crucial Role of the Private Sector
Register in advance here to join this event online via Zoom (EBRD registration page)
The European Commission’s proposed redesign of the EU’s long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, comes as the bloc’s policy agenda increasingly prioritises flexibility, simplicity, and the need to address competitiveness amidst geopolitical and economic challenges. Under this proposal, Cohesion Policy and Just Transition Policy will be restructured through several changes, including a reduction in thematic ring-fencing in general and the removal of the Just Transition Fund (JTF) in particular. This comes alongside a shift in programming discretion to national governments via National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs).
In this context, the panel discussion, hosted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), will focus on exploring how multilateral development banks can best leverage their instruments and work with the private sector to support just transition objectives alongside and beyond EU funding. The event will draw on research from the London School of Economics’ Just Transition Finance Lab, with additional insights from the policy think tank Instrat Foundation.
Speakers
Michał Hetmański – CEO of Instrat Foundation, Visiting Senior Fellow at LSE
An expert in areas of public policy, energy & climate policy, power market modelling, energy and coal mining sectors, and open data. Co-author of research and strategic documents on just transition in coal regions, data governance, public finance and taxation systems.
Felicity Spors – Director, Climate Strategy Delivery at European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Felicity’s work focuses on innovative finance, policy, and economic instruments, including market mechanisms, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), and landscape strategies to build resilience and drive adaptation.
Jan Szyszko – Secretary of State, Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, Republic of Poland
Jan Szyszko is Secretary of State at Poland’s Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, responsible for EU funds including the National Recovery Plan and cohesion policy. A European affairs specialist, he previously worked at Polityka Insight and co-founded the Strategies 2050 Institute
Presenter/moderator
Moderator: Isabel Blanco – Head of Impact at European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Visiting Professor in Practice at LSE
An expert in sustainable finance, climate and energy policy, with deep knowledge of energy and infrastructure technologies, regulation and business models.