Restructuring the economy of areas with a predominance of the coal industry: Application of the EU’s experience in Ukraine

The article presents the analysis of the European experience of functioning old industrial regions with prevailing coal industry in the conditions of technological changes. The author selected and systematised the features of transformational policy, which are typical for coal regions of European Union, which passed the stages of modernisation and transformation. Two main models of restructuration have been distinguished. The contemporary principles of transformation of regions dominated by the coal industry have been analysed in the light of the idea of a just transformation. The directions for the application of the EU’s experience have been formulated, the recommendations have been suggested for its implementation in the conditions of reconstruction of economy of Ukraine, in particular – its coal regions. The author proves the necessity to change the approaches to the restructuring the economy of areas with a predominance of the coal industry and to change the strategy of sector’s functioning in crisis conditions.