The ANU’s Centre for European Studies partnered with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Australia and the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Regional Futures (formerly HRF Centre) to host the Lessons for the Hunter from the EU Green Deal seminar.

The EU Green Deal aims to establish Europe as the first climate neutral continent by 2050. Underpinning the Green Deal is the European Climate Law – the binding legislative framework for the delivery of their commitments. The speakers outlined how the policies of the Green Deal are helping Europe to move towards a carbon neutral future, and how Australia can embark on its own transition while considering our unique context.

“The transition must be just and inclusive. It must put people first and pay attention to the regions, industries and workers who will face the greatest challenges.”

Scott Wyatt, Advisor from the Delegation of the European Union to Australia

Climate action should be “policy tested, implemented and developed at a grass roots level.”

Anne McNaughton, Director of the ANU Centre for European Studies

The EU’s “just transition” platform supports regions in their transitions away from coal. According to Scott Wyatt, an Advisor from the Delegation of the European Union to Australia, this is done by supporting fossil fuel producing regions across the EU through tailored, needs-oriented assistance and capacity building.

Warrick Jordan, Coordinator for the Hunter Jobs Alliance, says this approach is critical for the Hunter and that relationships between individuals and institutions will be critical to a successful transition.

He also stressed that agency is crucial to Australians living in regional areas and that the transition should allow for choice-making at local levels in addition to government decision-making.

If you missed the seminar, you can access the recording here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1amXqXq0L99tS7LnJ47wenVofhf28HCZ2?usp=sharing

The seminar was part of the ANUCES Centre of Excellence for EU - Australia Economic Cooperation (EUOzCEC) delivered with the support of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.