FROM THE RESTRUCTURING OF COAL INDUSTRY TO THE JUST TRANSFORMATION OF COAL REGIONS: EXPERIENCE AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

The general approaches to the activities of coal-mining enterprises, which for a long time generated the main economic potential of certain territories, provided employment for residents and formed coal regions, are studied. It is determined that the restructuring of the coal industry via the mine closure program was not successful enough, which requires a departure from purely sectoral principle and transition to the transformation of coal-mining regions at the territorial, regional, and national levels. An analysis of the problems and advantages of the economic, social, environmental, and technical impact that occur in coal regions during the operation and after the closure of mines has been carried out, indicating the need for their balancing, which determines the directions and possibilities of just transformation in territorial communities. Currently, the priorities and approaches to the formation of Ukraine’s energy policy are changing, which is determined by the reduction of fossil fuel use and the expansion of green energy opportunities. The marketing approach to positioning the problems of the territory in relation to different target groups within territorial communities (population, business, visitors, investors) that has been substantiated will ensure more efficient and purposeful spending of funds for the implementation of just transformation projects in local development. A mechanism of holistic systemic approach to research, analysis, evaluation and tools for solving the problems of coal regions with the application of the principle of priority in each territorial community is proposed. The characteristics of just transformation project for coal regions, the creation of the Just Transformation Fund, as well as the strategic approach to reforming Ukraine’s energy industry as one of the foundations of state regional policy, which is implemented in territorial communities, are studied.