Tavşanlı’s Just Transition: A Roadmap for Moving Beyond Coal

10/06/2025

Coal-dependent regions around the world are undergoing significant changes as the coal phase-down accelerates. Economic decline in the coal sector, privatisation, environmental degradation and stricter regulations are reshaping local economies. Türkiye is no exception.

A just, inclusive and locally grounded transition is essential to align Türkiye’s coal phase-out with its 2053 net zero target. Placing affected workers and communities at the centre of this process is key to achieving sustainable and equitable regional development.

Tavşanlı, a district in Kütahya province with a long-standing role in coal mining and coal-based electricity generation, now stands at a critical juncture. As coal-related employment continues to decline, planning for a just transition that protects workers, promotes green jobs, and supports regional development has become a matter of urgency, both for the Tavşanlı community and for the climate movement as a whole.

Following initial research by The Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK)- affiliated Progressive Mineral Research and Treatment Workers Trade Union of Turkey (Dev. Maden-Sen) which identified Tavşanlı as a region open to just transition dialogue, CAN Europe conducted an in-depth field study in Tavşanlı. The resulting report, “Attitudes Towards Coal Power Plants and Coal Mining in Tavşanlı and a Roadmap for Just Transition”, presents the perspectives from the region. These include coal miners and power plant workers and their spouses, local authorities, representatives of political parties, chambers and trade unions, academics,opinion leaders and investors.

The report highlights both the risks of an unplanned coal exit and the opportunities for building a fairer, more sustainable future. It provides relevant and critical insights for policymakers, trade unions, and civil society organisations on how to advance a just transition that leaves no one behind.

Read the executive summary in English

Read the full report in Turkish

RELATED NEWS_

Call for an ambitious EU 2040 climate target and NDC ahead of COP30

With COP30 around the corner and ahead of the 4th November Environment Council, CAN Europe urges EU Environment and Climate Ministers to finally agree on

29/10/2025

State of the Energy Union 2025: Are the EU’s 2030 Energy and Climate targets still within reach?

In the State of the Energy Union, the Commission must address Member States’ ambition and implementation gaps towards 2030 targets This week, the European Commission

28/10/2025

Letter to Finance, Transport and Climate Ministers on the Solidarity Coalition for Levies on Premium Flyers

In June, several countries launched a platform of action to tax premium travels and private jets during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (Seville, Spain). Ahead of

27/10/2025

CAN Europe Headquarters
Mundo B
Rue d’Edimbourg 26
1050, Brussels
Belgium

Tel: +32 (0) 28944670

CAN Europe empowers civil society organisations to influence the design and development of effective climate change policy in Europe, both in the European Union as well as in its Member States and in European countries outside the EU.