The Just Transition Mechanism as a way to tackle energy poverty: Perspectives from Romania and beyond

On September 23^rd, ECAS organised the 6th regional policy dialogue in the framework of the BOLSTER project (Bridging Organizations and marginalised communities for Local Sustainability Transitions in Europe). The dialogue series organised by ECAS promotes cross-regional policy learning on just and green transitions.

Purpose: The dialogue focused on how the Just Transition Mechanism can address energy poverty and enhance community engagement, with particular attention to the Prahova region in Romania.

With presentations from…

Alexandra Lulache (MKBT, Romania), who opened the dialogue by presenting BOLSTER findings on Prahova, a key region for Romania’s oil and gas industry. She highlighted the region’s weak civic sector and low trust in local authorities, stressing that marginalised groups lack representation in the transition process. While employment and economic growth are prioritised, the presentation pointed out that critical aspects like social and environmental sustainability are often neglected.
Dr. Andreea Vornicu (Center for the Study of Democracy, Romania), who introduced national indicators for measuring energy poverty in Romania. She addressed issues of both overconsumption and underconsumption, particularly focusing on the experiences of low-income and rural households.
Alexandru Kelemen (Association for Integrated Territorial Development of the Jiului Valley, Romania), who discussed the concept of energy communities and their role in promoting energy efficiency and green practices in the Jiu Valley region.

And a panel discussion with…

Anca Sinea, a lead expert in energy poverty and Coordinator of the Romanian Energy Poverty Observatory (ORSE), a project initiated by the  Centre for the Study of Democracy. She also serves on the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
Ana Maria Elian, an urban planner and co-founder/Programme Manager of MKBT: Make Better, where she connects strategic planning with community-driven initiatives, focusing on participatory practices, urban regeneration, and collaborative ecosystems in Romania. Ana Maria is also part of the BOLSTER team, coordinating the research efforts in Prahova.
Anna Bajomi, Policy Officer at FEANTSA – European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless, focuses on the risks and opportunities of the ecological transition for vulnerable populations, especially people experiencing homelessness and energy poverty.
Gall Podlaszewski, Managing Director at PHLOX Architekt und Ingenieur GmbH (Germany), specialises in energy-efficient renovations of social housing in central Germany to enhance sustainability.
Nadya Parpulova, a PhD student at the University of National and World Economy (Bulgaria), coordinating the BOLSTER project in Stara Zagora and researching energy impacts on marginalised communities, as well as green hydrogen production and energy communities.

Key takeaways

It is vital to include marginalised communities in the Just Transition process to ensure their perspectives are represented in decision-making.
Targeted funding and sustainable construction initiatives are essential for alleviating energy poverty and improving living conditions for low-income households.
Establishing energy cooperatives and participatory governance models can enhance community involvement in the energy transition.
Partnerships between international networks and local stakeholders are crucial for sharing knowledge, advocating for policy changes, and adapting solutions to local contexts.

Conclusion

The dialogue underscored the urgent need for inclusive strategies to combat energy poverty and actively engage marginalised communities in the Just Transition process. By highlighting the importance of sustainable construction, accessible funding, and participatory governance, the discussions emphasised that collaborative efforts between international networks and local stakeholders are essential for adapting solutions to the unique challenges faced by these communities. Ensuring that marginalised voices are heard in decision-making is crucial for fostering resilience and promoting equitable energy transitions.

The recording of the dialogue is available below and presentations can be downloaded here.

A more detailed summary can be consulted here.