Territorial governance of just transition? : A case study of Just Transition Fund (JTF) process in Finland

Abstract

This study examines Finland’s planning of the EU’s Just Transition Fund (JTF), focusing on phasing out energy peat and its socioeconomic impacts. Despite Finland’s high governance capacity, significant challenges emerged in achieving distributive, procedural and recognitive justice. Through stakeholder interviews and policy analysis, the research highlights gaps in multilevel coordination, stakeholder inclusion and addressing socio-cultural dimensions of transition. The findings stress the need for synchronised policy timelines, clearer communication and place-sensitive approaches that recognise non-monetary place attachments. Recommendations include enhancing participatory governance and aligning national policies and funding with EU frameworks to ensure equitable and inclusive low-carbon transitions.