Alla impact stories
Breakthrough dialogue within the energy sector in North Macedonia
As coal-fired power is phased out, many workers in North Macedonia are concerned about their future employment. In 2025, workers, industry representatives, and civil society organisations therefore came together through an initiative led by our partner organization MKC Bitola to explore pathways toward a more just and inclusive climate transition.As coal-fired power in the Pelagonia region is phased out, concern is growing among workers and people in local communities.
At the energy company REK Bitola, relations between management and trade union representatives have long been characterised by mistrust and uncertainty about what the transition will mean for jobs and livelihoods.
Creating a forum for dialogue
Together with the Palme Center, our partner organisation MKC Bitola created a forum for dialogue within the Local Economic and Social Councils (LESC). In 2025, representatives of company management and trade unions gathered for the first time for a joint discussion on the future energy transition.
The discussions provided a space for workers to openly voice their concerns about losing their jobs and facing reduced incomes, whilst company management acknowledged the need for better dialogue regarding the changes ahead. Experiences from other European coal regions demonstrated how a just transition can best be achieved through collaboration between companies, trade unions and the local community.
Breakthrough dialogue leading to a more just transition
The meeting marked a clear breakthrough. The focus shifted from concerns and conflicts to how the transition can be managed collectively. As a next step, an international exchange of experiences with trade unions from other coal-mining regions in Europe is now being planned.
By establishing dialogue between workers, industry and civil society, this work contributes to a fairer climate transition in which people are given a say in their future.
