Policy instruments
Discover the policy instruments that the partners of this project are tackling.
A means for public intervention. It refers to any policy, strategy, or law developed by public authorities and applied on the ground to improve a specific territorial situation. In most cases, financial resources are associated with a policy instrument. However, an instrument can also sometimes refer to a legislative framework with no specific funding. In the context of Interreg Europe, operational programmes for Investment for Growth and Jobs as well as Cooperation Programmes from European Territorial Cooperation are policy instruments. Beyond EU cohesion policy, local, regional, or national public authorities also develop their own policy instruments.
The 'Regional programme 2021-2027 Dytiki Makedonia' is designed to significantly assist in addressing the needs of the region, focusing on recovery from COVID-19 pandemic impacts and the prolonged economic crisis. It aims to facilitate the transition to the post-lignite era while highlighting the region's unique developmental characteristics. Emphasis is placed on tackling unemployment through targeted interventions that generate substantial added value and contribute to achieving the objectives of the 2021-2027 ESIF and the EU's policy objectives. The main features of this policy instrument include:
• Promoting innovative and smart transformation.
• Facilitating a fair transition to clean energy and sustainable development, including green and blue investments, circular economy practices, climate change adaptation, and risk prevention and management.
• Strengthening connectivity.
• Implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights.
• Fostering sustainable and integrated development.
The developmental vision of the Western Macedonia Region aims to:
• Shape a new, enhanced, and distinct role for Western Macedonia in the national and international context.
• Create sustainable employment opportunities through:
o Economic transformation of the regional economy to enhance competitiveness and outward orientation.
o Support for clean energy and green sustainable development.
o Integrated development of urban and rural areas.
• Establish a high level of social cohesion.
• Promoting innovative and smart transformation.
• Facilitating a fair transition to clean energy and sustainable development, including green and blue investments, circular economy practices, climate change adaptation, and risk prevention and management.
• Strengthening connectivity.
• Implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights.
• Fostering sustainable and integrated development.
The developmental vision of the Western Macedonia Region aims to:
• Shape a new, enhanced, and distinct role for Western Macedonia in the national and international context.
• Create sustainable employment opportunities through:
o Economic transformation of the regional economy to enhance competitiveness and outward orientation.
o Support for clean energy and green sustainable development.
o Integrated development of urban and rural areas.
• Establish a high level of social cohesion.
Partners working on this policy instrument
Region of Western Macedonia

Greece
Dytiki Makedonia
The PI sets out how the local authority will promote mitigation, adaptation and other climate action measures, to help deliver the national climate obligations and Government’s overall National Climate Objective, which seeks, by no later than 2050, the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy. Climate change stands as the defining challenge of Sligo, necessitating a response at all levels of governance. Local Authorities are instrumental in spearheading climate action, mandated by law to lead at the county level through the development of a Local Authority Climate Action Plan (LACAP). These plans, spanning five years, are designed to deliver effective climate action through evidence-based, place-specific strategies, in alignment with national and international climate policies. Sligo County Council's LACAP underscores its commitment to resilience, energy efficiency, and emission reduction. It targets a 51% reduction in emissions and a 50% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. It seeks to influence, advocate, and facilitate climate action within the local and business communities. The plan is precisely structured, comprising sections such as Local Authority Climate Action Planning, Risk Assessment and Evidence Base, Climate Action in other SCC Policies & ongoing projects, List of Actions, and Implementation. It also features a dedicated Sligo Decarbonisation Zone aimed at net-zero emissions by 2050.
Partners working on this policy instrument
Sligo County Council

Ireland
Northern and Western
The NSSP is designed to consolidate regional development from the net zero perspective, considering the European territorial priorities. It aims at fostering a transition to a net-zero emissions economy while addressing urban mobility challenges. Objectives include reducing road fatalities, mitigating climate change, and enhancing new mobility services. Key priorities include the development of urban nodes along the TEN-T network, by promoting zero carbon transport, active travel and improve passenger transport and collect relevant urban mobility data. Thus the NSSP framework will be showcasing the Bucharest-Ilfov region and urban node with their integrated planning processes aimed at reaching multiple objectives linked to sustainable urban mobility such as accessibility, quality of life, sustainability, economic viability, social equity, health, and environmental quality. The NSSP emphasizes cross-sectorial planning, recognizing the need for collaboration across transportation, urban planning, environment, health, and economics to optimize resource allocation and maximize impact. Furthermore, the NSSP incorporates recent research on transitioning to a net-zero economy, ensuring alignment with evolving trends, technological advancements, and societal needs. By leveraging research insights, the NSSP aims to refine its approach, to drive integrated planning and sustainable urban mobility transformation effectively and showcase the Bucharest-Ilfov region as process role model.
Partners working on this policy instrument
MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC WORKS AND ADMINISTRATION

Romania
Bucureşti-Ilfov
The Strategic Development Plan of Berane Municipality (2024-2031) aims for inclusive growth and sustainability, focusing on net-zero transition, technology adoption, and research-based planning. It ensures opportunities for all community members. Financed through state and local budgets, EU funds, donations, and private investments, it addresses environmental protection, air and water quality improvement, energy efficiency, and tourism development. Priorities include strengthening accommodation, promoting cultural heritage, diversifying tourism offerings, and service-oriented development. The plan integrates (and is aimed to extend) innovative solutions to address environmental challenges, enhance economic growth, and foster sustainable tourism practices and energy field. It's a comprehensive approach toward sustainable development, emphasizing equity, environmental protection, and economic prosperity.
I Specific strategic goal: Environmental protection and sustainable natural management
Resources
Priority 1. Improvement of air quality
Priority 2. Improving the quality of drinking water
Priority 3. Energy efficiency and sustainable management of natural resources
II Specific strategic goal: Encouraging the development of tourism by increasing tourist content i
Capacity.
Priority 1. Strengthening accommodation capacities
Priority 2. Promotion of cultural and historical heritage
Priority 3. Diversification of the tourist offer
Priority 4. Service-oriented development
I Specific strategic goal: Environmental protection and sustainable natural management
Resources
Priority 1. Improvement of air quality
Priority 2. Improving the quality of drinking water
Priority 3. Energy efficiency and sustainable management of natural resources
II Specific strategic goal: Encouraging the development of tourism by increasing tourist content i
Capacity.
Priority 1. Strengthening accommodation capacities
Priority 2. Promotion of cultural and historical heritage
Priority 3. Diversification of the tourist offer
Priority 4. Service-oriented development
Partners working on this policy instrument
Municipality of Berane

Montenegro
Crna Gora
The SEDS ED aims to transform the city into an attractive and intelligent urban center (SMART), socio-economic and touristic growth pole with modern infrastructure and diversified public services, with a healthy environment. Two of the five strategic development directions focuses on smart energy efficiency and healthy environment, as follows:
Objective 1.1. Renovation of local road infrastructure, expansion of public transport service and street lighting
Objective 1.3. Increasing energy efficiency and sustainable development of the energy sector
Objective 5.1. Social responsibility of citizens and economic agents regarding environmental protection
Objective 5.2. Community cooperation to ensure a cleaner environment
The concept of climate neutrality of the city in Edinet is promoted by the EU funded project “Edinet - Insights into tomorrow cities”, which supported the implementation of pilot actions in this direction, such as new transport units, urban biomass, efficient public lightning, photovoltaic system of electricity production.
The project will contribute to raising awareness of the relevant stakeholders and community in general to accelerate territory decarbonisation, strengthening the capacity to adapt to climate changes, increasing energy efficiency, use of renewable energy. Thus, there will be facilitated the introduction of innovative solutions towards reaching the net-zero goal aligning with the EU mission for a smart city.
Objective 1.1. Renovation of local road infrastructure, expansion of public transport service and street lighting
Objective 1.3. Increasing energy efficiency and sustainable development of the energy sector
Objective 5.1. Social responsibility of citizens and economic agents regarding environmental protection
Objective 5.2. Community cooperation to ensure a cleaner environment
The concept of climate neutrality of the city in Edinet is promoted by the EU funded project “Edinet - Insights into tomorrow cities”, which supported the implementation of pilot actions in this direction, such as new transport units, urban biomass, efficient public lightning, photovoltaic system of electricity production.
The project will contribute to raising awareness of the relevant stakeholders and community in general to accelerate territory decarbonisation, strengthening the capacity to adapt to climate changes, increasing energy efficiency, use of renewable energy. Thus, there will be facilitated the introduction of innovative solutions towards reaching the net-zero goal aligning with the EU mission for a smart city.
Partners working on this policy instrument
Edineț City Hall

Moldova
The Development Strategy of Trebinje represents a key strategic-planning document that guides the development of local community in three most important aspects: economic, social and environmental. It is a systematic instrument for proactive and responsible management of local development and it represents a unified, final result of the planning phase, on the one hand, and the main starting point for implementation phase, on the other hand. It defines the strategic focus & development objectives and plans projects to achieve them. It was prepared with support of the United States Agency for International Development, within the project RAST. The main role in the preparation of Trebinje City Development Strategy has had Board for Coordination of Activities, while the Operational working body was performing operational tasks in cooperation with a large number of different stakeholders, such as businessmen, public institutions and NGOs. The citizens were involved in the preparation process through the web-site and public debates. Strategy‘s focus is on:
1. Acceleration of investments in industry, tourism and agriculture (offensive strategy)
2. Constant improvement of public services, education and cultural life quality (combined strategy)
3. Preservation of the natural heritage and protection from natural disasters (defensive strategy)
Cross-sectorial planning facilitated via technological and research innovations is in the heart of focus No1 (aligned with SMARTFORM).
1. Acceleration of investments in industry, tourism and agriculture (offensive strategy)
2. Constant improvement of public services, education and cultural life quality (combined strategy)
3. Preservation of the natural heritage and protection from natural disasters (defensive strategy)
Cross-sectorial planning facilitated via technological and research innovations is in the heart of focus No1 (aligned with SMARTFORM).
Partners working on this policy instrument
City of Trebinje

Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Daugavpils Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan until year 2027 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote renewable energy sources to meet EU climate goals. Its objective is to reduce the city's CO2 emissions by 35% compared to the 2010 emission levels. The plan focuses on sustainability, climate resilience, and includes measurable actions for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and climate adaptation. Priority areas include improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation, promoting renewable energy like solar and wind, and adapting to climate impacts. The plan also encourages sustainable mobility through electric vehicles and better public transport. Waste reduction and circular economy practices are key aspects, along with increasing public awareness of energy conservation. Measures outlined in the Plan involve reducing emissions, implementing green building standards, promoting clean energy, and identifying funding opportunities for actions. The plan aims to transform Daugavpils into a sustainable, climate-resilient city through collaboration between local authorities, citizens, and businesses, addressing both mitigation and adaptation to climate change. It supports a long-term vision of a low-carbon and resource-efficient urban environment.
Partners working on this policy instrument
Daugavpils City Government

Latvia
Latvija
The policy instrument being addressed is the "Transition Vision Heat 2.0" established at the end of 2023, and is a local adaptation of national policy. It outlines a plan to significantly reduce natural gas consumption in the built environment, aiming for at least 20% reduction by 2030 and becoming a natural gas-free municipality by 2050. It advises insulation, ventilation, and installation of hybrid or electric heat pumps for existing buildings rather than district heating networks for residences. The Transition Vision Heat 2.0 plays an overarching role in transforming the rural municipality of Beekdaelen into an attractive, data-driven, and sustainable municipality that serves as a growth hub. The main principle is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels through strategic development directions focused on:
*Smart energy efficiency measures and reduction of energy losses
*Increasing energy efficiency and developing sustainable renewable energy generation
*Exploring regional opportunities for sustainability beyond municipal and national borders
*Smart energy efficiency measures and reduction of energy losses
*Increasing energy efficiency and developing sustainable renewable energy generation
*Exploring regional opportunities for sustainability beyond municipal and national borders
Partners working on this policy instrument
Municipality Beekdaelen

Netherlands
Limburg (NL)