In the past, brown coal deposits were of great economic value since they constituted a cheap and easily accessible energy source. Coal mining was an important source of development and employment. After the 1970s, however, many brown coal regions started to decline due to depletion of coalfields, environmental restrictions, and economic and technological change. These areas, many of which are Objective 1 regions, were left with a heavy burden of environmental degradation, economic decline and social problems. Overall objective / Objectif général de l'opération The operation ReRegions - Reclamation and Utilisation of Brown Coal Mining Areas in Europe focuses on creating a European partnership of the brown coal regions to support regional restructuring capacities. The operation aims at exchanging experiences and best practices to assist regional and public authorities in drawing up development plans to adapt their policies to make use of the experience gained in other European regions. Sub-objectives include the implementation of new legislation and regulations regarding the mining industry and making better use of emerging new technologies. Expected results / Résultats attendus The operation increases the capacities of regions to address economic, social, and environmental restructuring of brown coal mining regions. It creates awareness of the needs of these regions, provides authorities with the conceptual framework for the reclamation and utilisation of former brown coal mining landscapes, and assists in the development of conditions attractive to investors. In the long run, it strengthens the competitiveness and the sustainable development in the brown coal mining regions. Activities include the elaboration of regional case studies and reports on socio-economic and environmental issues. Based on meetings, thematic workshops, a conference, and exchanges of staff, partners exchange information and elaborate an analytical report and policy papers. Partners also develop a best practice handbook to disseminate results to not participating regions.