Select a country in the menu to learn more about its situation, progress and policies for a fair green transition.
In line with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the EU is committed to ensure that the green transition is just and fair, leaving no person and no region behind.
What is the situation in the EU countries in this regard, what policy measures are they taking, and how are they progressing? The 2023 Country Reports, published on 24 May 2023, present key trends, indicators and policies - including on the fairness of the green transition.
The key insights for the EU (with some differences across countries) are:
- jobs in the green economy grew by almost 15% since 2015
- jobs in transforming sectors remain broadly stable, but only 1 in 10 workers in these industries upgraded their skills in 2022
- labour and skills shortages remain high and reflect structural changes in the economy, including a more pressing need for the acquisition and provision of skills relevant to the green transition
- access to affordable energy is key: energy poverty indicators decreased in the past, but high prices for gas, electricity and fuels in 2021-2023 strained household budgets, especially for people on low incomes
- public transport is seen as relatively available, affordable and of good quality, but much less so in rural areas. 9 in 10 EU citizens support increasing investments in public transport infrastructure
- some people pollute more than others: The carbon footprint of people with the top 10% highest emissions is about 5 times the footprint of the bottom 50% of emitters
- air pollution is a serious health issue: Over half of EU citizens live in regions with critical levels of air pollution, affecting especially vulnerable population groups and leading to more than 230 000 premature deaths annually
Against this backdrop, all EU countries have received guidance to step up policy efforts aimed at the provision and acquisition of the skills needed for the green transition. A series of Member States are also encouraged to address energy poverty.