While in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic, the focus was to build back better, it has now shifted to the just transition. However, are the policies that
would enable a just transition currently in place? Are there structural challenges blocking the just transition?

There is a very clear imperative for an ecological transition. It is vital that this transition takes a holistic approach to all sectors and all industries,
paving the way for a new socio-economic model that adequately responds to environmental challenges, while tackling issues of climate, social and trade justice. There is a need to rethink the way we live, produce, trade and consume, in order to reduce our environmental and socio-economic impact.

The ecological transition also needs to be a fair transition. This means that those in the weakest position in value and supply chains must not be solely responsible for bearing the cost of the transition. On the contrary, large companies and buyers, who have greater bargaining power, financial resources and decision-making power, must play a proportionate role in enabling the transition. 

Lastly, the ecological and fair transition needs to be global. The EU is inextricably linked to partner countries through the trade of goods and services,
and its approach to sustainability must therefore be global. If the EU adopts an inward-looking approach to the transition and ignores the challenges of those
working at the beginning and the very end of the supply chain, it will be going against its own priorities and values. On the contrary, as a key global player, the EU has the potential to catalyse a global and fair transition through its own policies and cooperation with partner countries.

Enabling a global, fair and ecological transition will also contribute to the achievement of climate justice, social justice and trade justice.

The present document presents an overview of recommendations for the EU to act according to existing instruments, divided in two main categories: EU trade policy tools and trade-related measures.

About the Young Fair Trade Advocates (YFTAs)

The Young Fair Trade Advocates (YFTAs) are a diverse group of young EU individuals aged 18 to 30. Their mission is to advocate for a global, fair, and ecologically sustainable transition. Over the past four years, they have been actively engaging with politicians, fostering dialogues with representatives from the Global South, and drafting policy papers with the goal of reforming the current socio-economic system, which poses risks to the lives of billions of people. The Young Fair Trade Advocates is a community initiated by the Fair Trade Advocacy Office.

Learn more: https://www.youngfairtradeadvocates.org/