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POLICY INSTRUMENTS FOR CARBON-NEUTRALITY MEASURES: A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ESTONIA, PORTUGAL AND ROMANIA

Dzintra Atstaja

Abstract

This paper assesses policy instruments supporting carbon-neutrality measures in Estonia, Portugal and Romania, aiming to identify lessons for Latvia and other European Union Member States. The study focuses on regulatory, financial and socio-economic instruments that enable climate action. Methods: The research is based on comparative document analysis of national energy and climate policy documents, recovery and resilience plans, European Commission assessments, sectoral strategies and institutional sources. The analysis applies a carbon-neutrality measure passport framework, covering sectoral scope, greenhouse gas reduction logic, assumptions, input data, costs, cost-effectiveness and socio-economic and environmental impacts. Results: The findings show that effective climate policy implementation depends on combinations of instruments rather than isolated measures. The cases demonstrate approaches to renewable energy, transport decarbonisation, organic agriculture, forest management and waste reduction. The identified instruments include regulatory requirements, public funding, fiscal incentives, support for vulnerable groups, community involvement and communication measures. Conclusions: The paper systematises policy instruments into a practical framework for designing, comparing and justifying carbon-neutrality measures. The results are relevant for environmental policy development, climate governance and evidence-based low-carbon transition pathways.

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