Political Aspects of Sustainability: Analysis of EU and National Regulation

This topic introduces key concepts, institutions, and processes of politics and public administration relevant to understanding sustainability policy. It examines political decision-making, the role of public administration in policy implementation, and the relationship between politics, regulation, and societal interests in the context of sustainable development.

The concept of sustainability, its development and significance in contemporary politics. The dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic, social, political, and legal) and their interrelationships. Sustainability as a political priority and a normative goal.

Overview of global energy systems, the role of major international actors, and the significance of energy resources in power relations and international politics. Energy geopolitics, energy transition, and technological innovation. Challenges of energy security and sustainability in the global context.

The intersection of energy resources, international relations, and diplomatic strategies. Analysis of how energy production, trade, and infrastructure shape global power dynamics, influence state behavior, and affect international security. 

The intersection of energy resources, international relations, and diplomatic strategies. Analysis of how energy production, trade, and infrastructure shape global power dynamics, influence state behavior, and affect international security. 

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and other international environmental and climate agreements. The role of international institutions in shaping sustainability policy.

Development, objectives, and principles of EU sustainability policy. The European Green Deal as a strategic framework. Sustainability as a horizontal principle across EU policies.

EU climate policy, legal framework, emission reduction targets, and other policy instruments. Challenges in the implementation of climate policy.

This topic examines the European Union’s policymaking process, focusing on the key institutions, their roles, and interactions. It analyses how policy agendas are set, decisions are taken, and policies are implemented, with particular attention to examples from sustainability policy.

This topic focuses on the analysis of the EU’s legal framework for sustainability policy, including directives, regulations, and strategic policy documents. It examines key EU instruments in the fields of climate, energy, and environment, as well as their impact on policymaking in the Member States.

This activity allows students to take on the roles of EU institutions and simulate the drafting and adoption of a policy proposal, such as a new climate directive. Students learn about the roles of EU institutions, decision-making mechanisms, and compromise processes in the context of sustainability policy.

The objectives of state (Latvia’s) energy policy, the promotion of renewable energy sources, regulatory frameworks, and energy security issues in the context of sustainability.

Integration of sustainability into public policy development and administrative practice. The role of state institutions and local governments in achieving sustainability goals.

This topic examines the legislative process and political decision-making mechanisms in the development and implementation of sustainability policy. It analyses the role of parliaments, governments, and other institutions, the importance of political compromise, and the use of evidence-based policymaking and expertise in achieving sustainability goals.

This topic focuses on the analysis of Latvia’s national legal framework on sustainability policy, including laws, policy planning documents, and institutional arrangements. It assesses the compliance of national regulations with EU requirements, their implementation effectiveness, and key practical challenges.

Transposition and implementation of EU legislation in member states. The principle of subsidiarity, national discretion, and challenges in implementation.

This topic explores methods and approaches to assessing the effectiveness and impact of sustainability policy, including the use of indicators, monitoring mechanisms, and policy evaluation tools. It analyses how to evaluate policy outcomes in environmental, economic, and social dimensions, as well as how to identify shortcomings and areas for improvement.

Conflicts of interest, public support, social justice issues, and the political implications of the transition to a sustainable economy.

This topic explores how sustainability policy affects democratic processes, political participation, and public trust in institutions. It also analyses challenges related to populism, disinformation, and political polarisation.

The role of citizen engagement and lobbying in policy-making processes. Mechanisms of public participation, influence of interest groups, and their impact on political decision-making.

This activity allows students to take on the roles of government, parliamentary committees, local authorities, and societal actors to simulate the development and implementation of a national sustainability plan. Students learn about the national policymaking process, institutional interactions, and conflict resolution among interests in the field of sustainability policy.

This topic analyses the interconnection between climate policy and energy security, especially in the context of geopolitical risks and energy diversification. It examines EU and Latvian strategies to strengthen energy independence.

Trends in the development of sustainability policy, new regulatory solutions, and political debates at the EU and global levels.

This topic provides students with the opportunity to receive individual consultations and participate in discussions about the course material, clarify questions, enhance understanding, and receive feedback on submitted assignments.

At the end of the course, students will be required to take a written exam, applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the course to analyse specific examples and solutions in sustainability policy.