On 15–16 October 2025, the city of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, hosted the first Interregional Policy Learning Event (IPLE-1) and the Steering Group Meeting of the “Just Femme – Women’s Employment and Entrepreneurship in Just Transition Territories” project. Latvia was represented by Viktorija Reine, Project Manager at the Kurzeme Planning Region, and Zane Meļņika, Senior Project Manager at the Innovation Services Department of the LIAA Kuldīga Office.
The event was organised by the Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZREDA) on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.
The central theme of the meeting – “Women in Transition Regions: From Invisible to Drivers of Change” – highlighted the importance of ensuring that the green and digital transitions are fair and inclusive for women. The discussions focused on women’s entrepreneurship, employment opportunities in emerging green sectors, and gender mainstreaming in Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs).
Key discussions and outcomes
The panel brought together representatives from all partner regions.
Mrs. Maria Dineva (SZREDA) presented the results of IPLE-1, addressing organisational barriers that hinder gender-responsive transition planning. Participants exchanged experiences on empowering women as key actors in regional transformation and shared policy approaches for inclusive growth.
Study visit and networking
On the second day, participants visited the Faculty of Economics at Trakia University, where they learned about the faculty’s business incubator, innovation projects, and cooperation with local enterprises. The Municipality of Stara Zagora also presented its initiatives in investment promotion and sustainable development.
The event concluded with the Steering Group Meeting, during which partners reviewed project progress, communication activities, and upcoming tasks.
About the project
Just Femme is an Interreg Europe project involving partners from eight EU countries – Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, the Netherlands and North Macedonia.
Its mission is to ensure that the Green and Digital Transitions also work for women, by promoting their active participation in entrepreneurship, employment, and regional policy-making in Just Transition territories.
Information prepared by:
Viktorija Reine
Project Manager at Kurzeme Planning Region
Phone: +371 29762971
Email: viktorija.reine@kurzemesregions.lv
