Establishment of the SAŠA Just Transition Center
About this good practice
The SAŠA Just Transition Centre (JTC) was established in February 2022 as a department within the regional development agency RA SAŠA, based on the decision of the SAŠA Mayors' Council. Its mission is to support the fair and inclusive transition of the Savinjsko-Šaleška (SAŠA) coal-intensive region by offering accessible information, expert support, capacity building, and partnerships, especially targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), municipalities, and local stakeholders.
The JTC serves as a regional contact point for the Just Transition Fund (JTF), acting as an information and coordination hub for transition-related activities. Its main functions include supporting project development, stakeholder engagement, data-driven regional analysis, and training aligned with the principles of just transition.
The Centre was initially conceptualized in 2021 within the National Strategy for the Coal Phase-out and was recognized as a priority project for JTF technical assistance. It received official funding approval in 2023. The implementation of the JTC is guided by a structured Programme (2022–2029), which includes a defined Action Plan for each year and measurable KPIs.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
To develop the SAŠA JTC, five national and regional experts and many local stakeholders co-designed the programme to reflect regional needs. The initiative is funded with €3.15 million for 2022–2029 through technical assistance from the Just Transition Fund (JTF).
Evidence of success
Since mid-2023, the JTC has been fully operational with a team of 4 FTE experts. It engaged 300+ stakeholders, runs annual awareness campaigns, hosts monthly networking events, and delivers at least 5 JT Academy trainings per year. The JT Platform shares JTC updates, tenders, and data. Nationally, the JTC is recognised as a model for just transition and is featured on Slovenia’s official platform as a reference for other coal regions.
Potential for learning or transfer
The SAŠA Just Transition Centre (JTC) offers a transferable governance model for coal and carbon-intensive regions in transition. A key takeaway is the need to institutionalise support for SMEs and public actors early on, helping them adapt and engage in the process. The JTC’s centralised structure—combining data analysis, training, and project development—proves effective for coordinating regional efforts and building shared knowledge. Its alignment with EU and national just transition policies ensure strategic coherence, access to funding, and long-term impact. This integrated approach enhances stakeholder collaboration and supports policy implementation. Regions facing similar structural shifts can benefit by adopting comparable support centres, fostering inclusive, sustainable transformation while building local capacity and resilience.
Further information
Documents
Commit JTC SASA - Good Practice - web.pdf
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Razvojna agencija Savinjsko-šaleške regije d. o. o.