With the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO) a high-level Chinese delegation successfully completed a five-day study visit to Poland and Germany from 23 to 27 June 2025, aimed at strengthening international exchanges on social protection with EU Member States and promoting a just transition strategy to adequately protect workers in coal-dependent communities affected by the gradual phase-out of coal related activities.
© ILO
The study visit was organized under the project "Improving China's institutional capacity towards universal social protection (Phase 2)", funded by the European Union. The visit brought together policymakers, trade union and employer representatives, and social protection experts to exchange experiences on implementing effective social protection policies to cushion the effects of phasing out polluting industries and economic activities. These policies contribute to ensuring a just transition towards a greener economy while protecting vulnerable households.
© ILO
The delegation, led by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS), and participated by All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) and China Enterprise Confederation (CEC), engaged with key institutions including the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy of Poland, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of Germany, and major trade unions in the two countries.
© ILO
Highlights of the visit included:
- In-depth information sharing and exchange about Poland's 2021 Social Plan for the Hard Coal Mining Sector and Germany's 2020 Coal Phase-out Act, and related social and structural policy support for the transition.
- Site visits to the "Job after Coal" project in Konin region of Poland, and the "Revierwende" project in the Lausitz region of Germany, showcasing innovative approaches to providing adequate social protection and supporting employment and livelihoods for workers affected by the coal transition.
- Exchanged insights on China's evolving social protection policies, with a focus on supporting a just transition and promoting green employment.
Insights from the study visit to Poland and Germany will inform an ongoing technical study, supported by the ILO through the EU-funded project, led by the Chinese Academy of Labour and Social Security (CALSS). The study focuses on enhancing the role of social protection in promoting a just transition towards a greener economy in China and is expected to be completed in 2025.
