On November 26, 2024, the international conference titled “The Transformation of MVM Mátra Energy Ltd. and the Just Transition” was held in Budapest. The event aimed to facilitate dialogue among representatives of trade unions, the government, and employers on implementing a just transition, sharing their visions, experiences, and expectations regarding the phasing out of coal-based energy production and the transformation of the energy economy. The conference participants included domestic and international experts, trade union representatives, as well as leaders and researchers involved in sustainable energy management.
The program began with the opening speech of József Szilágyi PhD., President of the EVDSZ (Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Workers’ Union). Participants gained insights into the current challenges of the energy transition and learned details of specific projects through presentations by international and domestic speakers.
In her online presentation, Corinna Zierold, Head of Just Transition Coordination at industriAll Europe, pointed out that the European Union’s Just Transition Mechanism provides significant resources for coal and carbon-intensive regions, yet a comprehensive legal framework is lacking. In the Central and Eastern European region, the pace of decarbonization is accelerating, but structural problems such as low industrial modernization and a lack of innovation capacity persist.
Barnabás Derekas PhD. presented the objectives and achievements of the LIFE-IP North-HU-Trans project to date. The project runs from September 1, 2020, to October 31, 2029, with a total budget of €14.878 million. As part of the project, the Coal Region Committee was established in 2021, Hungary’s first permanent consultation forum addressing coal transition issues. Key project activities include assessing environmental impacts, particularly on air quality, geological risks, and the condition of habitats and ecosystems affected by mining activities.
The Green Transition of MVM Mátra Energy Ltd.: In the presentation titled “The Current Status and Future of the Mátra Power Plant,” György Vécsi, CEO of MVM Mátra Energy Ltd., outlined the company’s current status, green transition plans, and the future of lignite-based energy in Hungary. The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the technological, economic, and environmental aspects of MVM Mátra Energy Ltd.’s transformation, along with strategies for future workforce employment. Vécsi emphasized the importance of ensuring sustainable energy supply and adopting modern technologies for the region’s development.
Labor Relations and Social Dialogue: Pavol Bors, a research scientist from CELSI, presented the findings and recommendations of the REJEnerAXion research project. The project aims to analyze and strengthen the role of labor relations and social dialogue in the energy sector, with particular attention to the challenges posed by decarbonization and the green transition.
Following this, trade union representatives from the power plant and mining operations—Zsolt Medveczki (MEVISZ) and Gábor Telekes (BDSZ)—shared their local experiences regarding union activities.
START Program: In his presentation, Ferenc Rabi, former president of BDSZ, discussed research conducted in connection with the just transition in Heves County, the program’s key results, and future opportunities supporting the economic and social transformation of the region. The START program, part of the EU’s technical assistance initiative, aims to support the just transition of coal regions in Heves County.
Experiences from the Czech Republic: Martin Picmaus shared insights from the Czech transition, highlighting the importance of education, professional consultations, and addressing regional challenges.
Conference Conclusion: The conference concluded with Dr. József Szilágyi summarizing the lessons learned from the presentations and emphasizing the importance of social dialogue at all levels of the just transition process.
News sent by: Pálma Ravasz, Communications Officer, EVDSZ
Photo by: www.vd.hu