Olka Kossowska

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Every change starts with an idea, even if incomplete—an idea of something that doesn’t yet exist. It requires thinking beyond the horizon of what is. There’s no final destination, but every step forward creates more room for self-growth and a stronger sense of community. We don’t know what this world might look like, nor do we need to. What matters is believing that a better one is possible.

Located in western Poland's Wielkopolska region, Konin has built its identity around its lignite mine for over half a century. The mine wasn't just an employer - it was the force that shaped the city's architecture, social structures, and collective imagination. In June 2024, that era ended with the mine's closure, making Konin the first Polish city to face a post-coal future.

We are witnessing a pivotal moment in European and Polish history. The EU's commitment to phase out coal energy by 2035 means that dozens of mining communities across Poland will soon face similar transitions. Konin's experience in these crucial first years will become a vital case study - documenting how a community reinvents itself when its economic and cultural foundation disappears could provide essential insights for other cities entering their own post-coal era.