Just Energy Transitions for Europe and Beyond

The field of just energy transitions is gaining increasing attention, particularly in the context of the European Green Deal (EGD) and its implications for clean energy transition (CET). The EGD's transformative policies are set to impact various sectors across Europe, including energy supply, production, and consumption, as well as infrastructure, transport, and agriculture. However, the diverse economic landscape of Europe means that the EGD's implementation will necessitate more significant changes in some nations than others, potentially exacerbating regional inequalities and societal tensions. Recent conflicts, such as those involving Dutch farmers and lithium mining in Spain and Serbia, highlight the challenges of implementing measures without community support. Additionally, the shift towards renewable energy is expected to expand the global supply chain for critical minerals, raising concerns about socioenvironmental harm in other jurisdictions. The EGD acknowledges the need for a just and inclusive transition, emphasizing public participation and attention to regions and industries facing the greatest challenges. Yet, questions remain about what constitutes a 'just' transition, how it will be achieved, and who will benefit.

This research topic aims to explore the conceptual and practical aspects of a 'just' energy transition both within and beyond Europe. It seeks to address pressing questions about the imperatives of a just institutional approach, the role of diverse normative values in policymaking, and the social and human rights impacts of EGD policies. The research will also investigate the role of citizens in decision-making, the strengthening of participatory approaches, and the consideration of intergenerational dynamics. By examining mechanisms and strategies for achieving a just transition, the research aims to identify best practices and address concerns such as 'green colonialism' and the interaction of EGD policymaking with other legal systems.

To gather further insights in the realm of just energy transitions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Imperatives of a just institutional approach and mitigation of socioenvironmental conflict.
- Consideration of diverse normative values in policymaking.
- Social and human rights impacts of EGD policies in decision-making.
- Role and entitlement of citizens in EGD decision-making processes.
- Strengthening participatory approaches and accounting for future generations.
- Mechanisms and strategies for ensuring a just transition, including best and worst practices.
- Addressing concerns of 'green colonialism' in clean energy transitions.
- Interaction of EGD policymaking with other legal systems and implications for other jurisdictions.
- Barriers and opportunities for achieving EGD sustainability goals in a just manner.
- Relationship between nationalism and perceptions of justice in just transitions.
- Exploration of existing alternatives to the EGD.

Keywords: just transitions, human rights, citizen participation, socioenvironmental conflicts, resource conflicts, European Green Deal, EU policy, impact assessment, energy, environmental democracy

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.