Embracing policy paradoxes: EU’s Just Transition Fund and the aim “to leave no one behind”

Abstract With the adoption of 2030 Agenda, UN Member States pledge “to leave no one behind” and “endeavour to reach furthest behind first”. The EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) was designed meet these policy objectives. It is three pillars Mechanism, aiming at fair delivery European Green Deal reducing adverse social economic impacts transition towards a climate-neutral Europe. We examine formulation JTF Regulation, from January 2020 until July 2021 analyse seven topics importance during formulation. Based on results, we identify discuss four paradoxes related governance scales, offsetting exclusion, equity illusion, eligibility criteria. arise tension between all-inclusive objective behind, selective affirmative actions, seeking first. Results analysis enabled us put forward plausible strategies embrace offer important lessons learned for also future policies that seek behind.