During a recent visit to Poland, Mario Nava, Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion at the European Commission, underscored the European Union’s commitment to supporting the country’s transition towards a sustainable, resilient future.
As part of the 14th European Congress of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Nava also visited two EU-funded projects in the Silesian region: the House of Guardian Angels, which supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the Nikiszowiec Just Transition Centre, which aims to revitalise a community deeply rooted in coal mining.
In Poland, the EU’s cohesion policy is visibly making a difference in addressing local challenges and promoting inclusive growth. The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF) are at the forefront, enabling Poland to advance its social and economic resilience while focusing on a green and fair transition.
Supporting young people and families in Silesia
The House of Guardian Angels exemplifies the ESF+’s mission to reduce poverty and social exclusion. Since the 1990s, this organisation has provided essential support to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Today, with EUR 338 000 in EU funding for 2024-2026, the project, titled "Angelic Support," will expand its outreach, helping 145 children and 45 families. This initiative offers educational and psychological assistance tailored to the needs of each individual, ensuring that children are equipped to step into adulthood confidently.
Reflecting on his visit, Mario Nava stated, ‘I witnessed first-hand how the European Social Fund Plus and the Just Transition Fund are helping to bring European priorities on the ground to the cities and regions. The fight against poverty, especially child poverty, remains a European priority. In our unique social market economy, we have set the goal to leave no one behind.’ He emphasised that these efforts demonstrate Europe’s commitment to turning words into action and supporting communities from the ground up.
Just transition: transforming a community’s identity
Poland, the largest recipient of JTF funding in the EU, is working to shift five coal-reliant regions, including Silesia, toward sustainable economic models. Śląskie, which represents 90% of Poland's coal workforce, is receiving €2.2 billion in JTF funding, a significant investment that highlights the importance of social dialogue in ensuring a just transition.
In Katowice’s Nikiszowiec district, the Association Local Initiatives Factory (FIL) is working to create the Nikiszowiec Just Transition Centre, a hub for community support and innovation. Supported by a EUR 661 000 grant from the JTF, this centre provides educational workshops and community engagement programmes that prepare residents for the transformation of their neighbourhood into the New Technologies District. The shift from coal to tech offers new opportunities while honouring the area’s rich industrial heritage.
A commitment to fair and inclusive development
The EU’s cohesion policy is more than just funding projects; it is about fostering a fair transition that includes everyone. As Mario Nava noted, ‘It is the dedication of the people involved that makes the real impact in the local communities.’ In Silesia, EU funds provide targeted support for job creation, skills development, and community empowerment – foundations for a prosperous and resilient Europe.
This visit underscores the EU’s commitment to working closely with Poland to ensure that the transition away from coal is fair and inclusive, balancing environmental goals with economic resilience. Through initiatives like the House of Guardian Angels and the Nikiszowiec Just Transition Centre, EU cohesion funds are supporting social and economic development while preserving local identities and empowering communities to shape their own futures.
