
The region of Western Macedonia has been traditionally linked to the energy sector with the exploitation of non-sustainable and pollutant energy sources. A just transition development plan for lignite-dependent areas has been developed to adopt a differentiated mixture of electricity production and foster the transition of the region’s economy.
The region’s strong academic and business eco-system will lead this transition in which the agri-food sector, mobility and digital innovation will play a crucial role as the backbone of the new economic system.
It is essential to optimise the transition towards green mobility, identify and support green and fair agri-food supply chains and integrate digital solutions to enhance the attractiveness of the region’s areas that are under transition. Under this light, three cases are prioritised:
The vision of the TSL
Diversification of the economy through climate-neutral energy.
Western Macedonia TSL focused on accelerating a fair and inclusive transition based on the pillars of:
- energy,
- mobility,
- agriculture/food production and
- circular economy,
Aligned with the region’s main objective towards achieving climate neutrality facilitated by digitisation following a cross-sectoral approach, with close collaboration with all relevant stakeholders of the quadruple helix from different sectors and emphasis in civil society engagement.