Pathways to Just Green Transitions: Reflections and Future Directions

This concluding chapter explores and summarises the results of the collection of contributions in this handbook. It emphasises the need for equitable sustainability that balances socio-economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and territorial cohesion. Through diverse case studies and theoretical frameworks, it highlights the importance of multiscalar, flexible, and inclusive governance, particularly in the Western Balkans. Key challenges include economic displacement, energy poverty, and governance inefficiencies, underscoring the risks of unjust transitions. The results of this volume stress the necessity of tailored, region-specific strategies, participatory policymaking, and investment in education and workforce reskilling to ensure fair and sustainable transitions. Cross-border cooperation, interdisciplinary research, and innovative policy approaches are essential to overcoming socioeconomic disparities and fostering long-term resilience. Future research should deepen insights into the geopolitical implications of JGT and the intersection of environmental justice, governance, and economic development. This handbook serves as a roadmap for policy interventions and collaborative efforts towards a just and sustainable future.