Influence of Media and Coal Labour Unions Most Coal-dependent Countries of the EU and their Path Away from Coal Case Study of Poland and Germany

Bc. Kristína Kráľovská

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Coal phase- out is one of the most important factors of the green energy transition. Therefore, it is a burning issue for the most coal- dependent countries of the European Union. While the background, starting point, and overall policies within the coal phase- out area between those countries differ, they are aiming towards the same goal. This thesis will focus on coal phase- outs in Poland and Germany since the introduction of the Just Transition Mechanism. More specifically, it will try to analyze why is Poland and Germany on their paths of green transitions and coal phase- outs, focusing on the media coverage and regime resistance from the unions. Thus, first part of this research explores the coverage of coal phase- out related issues in major newspapers in both countries. The results of this part underline the differences between the formulation of the topics not only between the countries, but also between the left-wing and right-wing media. The second part of the research explores the regime resistance, comparing the influence of trade unions in Poland and Germany. The results here show that the unions in Poland are more vocal and are more influential, however, they also stand more significantly against the coal phase- outs.

Abstract:

Coal phase- out is one of the most important factors of the green energy transition. Therefore, it is a burning issue for the most coal- dependent countries of the European Union. While the background, starting point, and overall policies within the coal phase- out area between those countries differ, they are aiming towards the same goal. This thesis will focus on coal phase- outs in Poland and Germany since the introduction of the Just Transition Mechanism. More specifically, it will try to analyze why is Poland and Germany on their paths of green transitions and coal phase- outs, focusing on the media coverage and regime resistance from the unions. Thus, first part of this research explores the coverage of coal phase- out related issues in major newspapers in both countries. The results of this part underline the differences between the formulation of the topics not only between the countries, but also between the left-wing and right-wing media. The second part of the research explores the regime resistance, comparing the influence of trade unions in Poland and Germany. The results here show that the unions in Poland are more vocal and are more influential, however, they also stand more significantly against the coal phase- outs.

Keywords

coal, phase-out, media, labor union, Poland, Germany

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 14. 9. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 30. 6. 2023

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
European Governance / European Governance