Kick-off of new EU project to secure future-proof jobs in the paper sector

Gathering approximately 40 representatives from trade unions, employers and other stakeholders across the paper and pulp sector, the conference set the agenda for the coming two years. Highlights included a keynote address from Frank Siebern Thomas of the European Commission’s DG Employment on “Just Transition for a Sustainable Industry”, followed by a presentation from Anu Korosuo on “The paper sector as a key industry for the Bioeconomy”.

The agenda further featured two round-tables (one focussing on industrial policy and the broader picture, the other on training and skills in the pulp and paper sector), a presentation by consultancy SECAFI Consultancy, and an overview of the project by Cepi and industriAll Europe.
The Fuprojob4paper project has two main objectives: to design a just-transition pathway for the pulp-and-paper sector, enabling the sharing of training practices; and, to promote the sector and to enhance its attractiveness to young people and women.

Looking ahead, the first regional workshop is scheduled to take place in Madrid, with a site visit planned for 17-18 March.

“Europe’s paper and pulp industries are at the core of the green transition — essential for both a circular economy and sustainable jobs. By co-designing a just transition pathway, we can ensure that decarbonisation strengthens, rather than weakens, the social and economic muscle of our regions. This project is about building trust between employers and trade unions, aligning ambition, fairness and participation, and proving that climate-neutrality and good work can go hand in hand.” Said indsutriAll Europe General Secretary Judith Kirton-Darling.

With FUPROJOB4PAPER now underway, the sector aims to embed a skills and training agenda within its transition journey, while reaching out beyond traditional demographics to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

“Just transition is at the core of the FUOROJOB project and it requires the right enabling conditions: competitiveness as the foundation for sustainable jobs, education and innovation to turn transition into opportunity and ⁠training as the bridge to connect ambition with reality” said Cepi’s Director General Jori Ringman.