Operational Programme Just Transition (OPST)

OP Just Transition

Funds just-transition projects in coal regions of Czechia through SFŽP support for new economic pathways.

Operational Programme Just Transition (OPST) is a Czech EU structural programme financed by the EU Just Transition Fund with a total budget of 42.7 billion CZK (approximately 41 billion CZK allocated directly to regions after technical assistance deductions). The programme covers the 2021–2027 programming period with project eligibility extended through 2029. The State Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic (SFŽP ČR), operating under the Ministry of the Environment, serves as the intermediary body responsible for administering calls and disbursing funds. Thematic priorities include SME development, research and innovation, digitisation, renewable energy, landscape restoration, worker retraining, and circular economy activities.

Geographic eligibility is strictly limited to three Czech coal-transition regions: Karlovy Vary Region, Ústí nad Labem Region, and Moravian-Silesian Region. All project activities must be located in one of these three areas. Eligible applicants are broad: local governments, contributory organisations, small and medium enterprises, state-owned enterprises, public law bodies, universities, educational establishments, and research institutions may all apply depending on the specific call. Individuals are not eligible. Funding is disbursed through three project mechanisms — strategic projects, thematic calls, and group projects — with individual award amounts and co-financing rates published per call at the programme portal opst.cz.

Applicants should monitor opst.cz for individual call announcements, as each thematic call specifies its own budget envelope, co-financing rate, eligible costs, and application deadline. The long eligibility window through 2029 provides flexibility for project implementation, but programmes in heavily subscribed themes such as renewable energy and SME development should be expected to fill their call budgets quickly. Applications and portal guidance are available in Czech.