EU fund supports the just transition of mining regions

On 15 May 2025, the conference 'European coal in transition: from industrial legend to cutting-edge research for the future' was held in Jastrzębie-Zdrój. The event was organised by the European Coal and Lignite Association Euracoal and the European Research Executive Agency and hosted by Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa. Representatives of the State Mining Authority, led by President Piotr Litwa, participated in panel discussions.

The meeting aimed to highlight the significant influence of projects supported by the European Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) on a just transition of former European mining regions. The organisers’ intention was also to raise awareness of the Fund’s key role in regional transformation, considering the principles of the European Green Deal. Several RFCS-funded projects were presented, focusing on reducing methane emissions and transforming coal mines.

During a panel discussion, the SMA’s President outlined the actions the Polish energy sector must take in connection with implementing the EU Methane Reduction Regulation. He emphasised that the effectiveness of de-methanation in Polish coal mines, in many cases, reaches 70%. He claimed the established rules must not only take into account the need for a continuous decrease in methane emissions but also the possibilities of performing mining activities to meet the current needs of the energy and metallurgical sectors in Europe, including Poland.

The European Coal and Lignite Association Euracoal is an organisation that brings together mainly European coal producers and importers - more than 20 entities from a dozen countries. Its headquarters are located in Brussels. Since last year, the association has been headed by Professor Alicja Krzemień from the Central Mining Institute - PIB. Thursday’s conference was held under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council and the Ministry of Industry.