Support for coal regions in transition – Expert study: Socio-economic analyses to improve the use of ESIF

Summary:

The question of phasing out coal mining in Horná Nitra is not if, but when and how? Although the regional position of the mining industry has been steadily declining, it is still the economic backbone of the region. The most recent number of mining company employees is 3782 (July 2018). Besides a threat to direct employees of losing their jobs, we have, according to our calculations, additional indirect jobs that could be affected. Quantitative and qualitative analyses conducted for this report indicate positive structural conditions for a successful transition of the Horná Nitra Region (HNR); yet, there are potential challenges and problems as well. Considering the economic, social, and environmental data, and factors and trends, the region has a strong potential for
successfully phasing out coal, and the present timing may provide a unique “window of opportunity.”

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