FTTU took part in an international forum organized by ECP on just transition and the future of employment in the green transformation

On April 28 and 29, the headquarters of CITUB hosted the international seminar “Just Transition”, organized by ETUC, with the participation of representatives of trade union and civil society organizations from Croatia, Hungary, Spain, Romania, Serbia, Greece, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, Georgia and Bulgaria.

The forum brought together experts, trade union leaders and representatives of institutions from Bulgaria and the European Union to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing workers in the context of the green and socially just transition.

The seminar was opened by Ludovic Voet, confederal secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), and Plamen Dimitrov, president of CITUB. As part of the event, key panel discussions were held with the participation of representatives of Bulgarian institutions, European organizations and employers, dedicated to the impact of the just transition on the different regions of Europe, including Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Particular emphasis was placed on the state of the coal mining industry, the need for retraining workers, social protection and the opportunities for building sustainable economic models. Good European practices were presented, including Spain’s experience, as well as analyses of the Just Transition Directive.

The participation of the chair of FTTU, Eng. Aleksandar Shopov, was part of the representation of the sectoral organizations within the seminar.

For FTTU, the topic of the just transition remains of essential importance in view of the future of the transport sector. In this context, the challenges related to decarbonization processes and their impact on employment stand out. At the same time, the role of trade unions and the need for balanced policies that guarantee sustainable development and social protection are emphasized, including through a fairer allocation of investments to the most affected regions and workers.

The transport sector is among the key areas in which the transition to a low-carbon economy must be carefully planned so that it does not lead to social upheaval, job losses or deepening regional inequalities. Long-term policies are needed that combine the modernization of transport with guarantees for decent employment, skills and protection of workers.

The representatives of the international organizations exchanged experience regarding the different national approaches to the just transition, noting that the successful implementation of green policies requires active social dialogue, strong trade union involvement and real investments in people and regions affected by economic transformation.

During the forum it was confirmed that the just transition should not be viewed solely as an environmental policy, but as a comprehensive socio-economic process that places people at the center of change. For FTTU, the topic remains particularly important, as transport plays a strategic role both in economic development and in the sustainable future of European societies.

The seminar reinforced the role of trade unions as a key partner in the processes of just transition, placing social security, quality employment and the protection of workers at the center of the green transformation.

FTTU’s participation once again confirmed the federation’s commitment to protecting the interests of workers in transport and its active involvement in the development of policies for sustainable and socially responsible development of the sector.