MEP Ciaran Mullooly appointed to review Just Transition Fund across EU

The European Parliament's Committee on Regional Development (REGI) has announced that Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly has been appointed as Rapporteur for the report on "The role of cohesion policy in supporting the just transition."

In the European Parliament, a Rapporteur is an MEP appointed to handle a policy proposal, responsible for analysing it, consulting stakeholders, and drafting a report with recommendations. They play the key role in shaping EU policy and representing the committee's position in plenary sessions.

As Rapporteur, MEP Mullooly will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of how cohesion policy supports regions transitioning away from carbon-intensive industries across all EU countries in just transition regions. His responsibilities will include leading discussions within the REGI Committee, consulting stakeholders, proposing amendments to existing policies, and presenting the committee's recommendations in plenary sessions.

This appointment is particularly significant for Ireland's Just Transition Fund (JTF) regions, including counties Longford, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly and parts of Galway, Kildare, and Tipperary, where many lost their jobs in Bord na Móna and the ESB. Mullooly's role will allow him to bring these regions' specific challenges to the forefront of EU policy discussions.

Speaking about his appointment, MEP Mullooly said: “I am honoured to accept this role, which allows me to bring the experiences and needs of our region directly to the heart of EU policy-making. I will work tirelessly to ensure that the unique challenges faced by Irish communities are reflected in EU support mechanisms."

Mullooly emphasised the need for a more equitable distribution of Just Transition Fund resources across EU regions. "While we understand that the current budget allocation methodology is rightly environmentally focused, leading to Poland receiving €3.85 billion due to its coal industry's higher carbon emission intensity and the potential impact on up to 80,000 jobs, we must remember that the personal impact of job loss is equally devastating, whether it's in Ireland's peat industry or Poland's coal sector," he stated. "We need to ensure that all affected regions, including Ireland's Midlands, receive adequate support to cope effectively with the transition."

He noted that Ireland's allocation of €84.5 million, which was matched by the Irish Government to reach €169 million, is significantly less than some other countries. "We need to address this disparity while ensuring a balanced approach that directly supports affected workers and communities," Mullooly added.

The MEP highlighted that his role as Rapporteur extends beyond Ireland's borders, encompassing all EU countries with just transition regions. "This position allows me to advocate for a more equitable distribution of resources across all affected areas in the EU, while also ensuring that the specific needs of each region are taken into account," he stated.

Mullooly also emphasised the importance of streamlining the implementation process for JTF funds. "We must work to simplify procedures and reduce administrative burdens to ensure that these vital resources reach the communities that need them most, as quickly and efficiently as possible," he said.

The MEP concluded: "This is an opportunity to shape a just transition that works for everyone across the EU. I look forward to working with colleagues across the political spectrum to deliver recommendations that will make a real difference to the lives of people in transition regions throughout Europe, including our own Midlands."