(3)The European Green Deal combines a comprehensive set of mutually reinforcing measures and initiatives aimed at achieving climate neutrality in the Union by 2050, and sets out a new growth strategy focused on transforming the Union into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, with vibrant industries that remain world-leaders in their respective segments and global innovation drivers, while securing high-paid quality jobs in the Union. It also aims to protect, conserve and enhance the Union's natural capital, and protect the health and well-being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts. In that context, the 8th Environment Action Programme running until 2030 set out in Decision (EU) 2022/591 of the European Parliament and of the Councilnote reinforces the objective of accelerating the green transition to a climate-neutral, sustainable, non-toxic, resource-efficient, renewable-energy based, resilient and competitive circular economy in a just, equitable and inclusive way and of protecting, restoring and improving the state of the environment, while supporting and building upon the set of measures and initiatives announced under the European Green Deal. At the same time, the transition affects women and men differently and has a particular impact on some disadvantaged groups, such as older people, persons with disabilities and persons with a minority racial or ethnic background. In addition, the transition will affect regions of the Union differently, especially structurally disadvantaged, peripheral and outermost regions. It must therefore be ensured that the transition is just and inclusive, leaving no one behind.