As a new instrument of Cohesion Policy, the Just Transition Fund (JTF) was introduced in the 2021-2027 programming period, which is the part of the European Green Deal. Its main goal is to make the European Union climate-neutral by 2050. The JTF supports regions with high carbon emissions, and its aim is to manage industrial transition and structural change. The study examines how each region is implementing its Just Transition Fund plans and what innovative funding systems have been developed. In addition, through secunder research, we present model projects that are moving towards a circular economy and economic diversification and are relevant to the regions concerned. Three similar coal regions have been highlighted (Hungary - Baranya County, Czech Republic - Ústí Region, Spain - Asturias Region), which show similar economic and social symptoms. Each of the three regions has approached the problem with very different operational programmes and draft calls for proposals, resulting in different pull projects to support their economies. The aim of the study is to prove the hypothesis that, despite the similarities in the economic environment, programmes can be successfully implemented along the lines of the expected effects of the Just Transition, even under different support schemes.

As a newly established instrument of EU Cohesion Policy, the Just Transition Fund (JTF) aims to support regions most affected by the transition to climate neutrality. This study examines Baranya County in Hungary, where eligibility was primarily driven by the cement industry. The research investigates the economic and labor market impacts of recent regulatory changes—specifically supplementary mining royalties and CO₂ tax—on stakeholders in the cement and lime sectors. Using survey data from affected production units and industry trend analysis, the findings reveal substantial financial losses among local enterprises, prompting operational restructuring and reduced output. This decline in domestic cement and lime production is expected to cause job losses and the emigration of skilled labor, especially engineers. The anticipated reduction in national production capacity may lead to increased reliance on imports, driving up construction costs. Additionally, financial pressures on domestic producers threaten their competitiveness, potentially resulting in temporary plant closures. These closures are likely to affect the wider regional supply chain, forcing SMEs to downsize or suspend operations. In conclusion, the study highlights a convergence of economic risks, including brain drain and industrial contraction, that undermine the goals of the Just Transition and require targeted policy responses.