Just transitions, trade unions and the need for a new (European) eco-social contract.

The article focuses on the complex challenges Europe faces amid intersecting environmental, geopolitical, demographic, and socio-economic crises, emphasizing the urgent need for a just and equitable green transition. It critiques the limited progress of initiatives like the European Green Deal (EGD) in addressing structural inequalities and highlights the essential role of trade unions in advocating for workers' rights, social protection, and sustainable employment during this transition. The article also discusses the political shifts within the European Commission that may undermine social justice priorities, stressing that effective, binding policies and coordinated multi-level efforts are crucial to ensure that environmental goals do not come at the expense of social well-being.