
A newly published study in Regulation & Governance presents insights from the EU 1.5° Lifestyles project on the intersection of welfare policies and climate action. Authors Karlis Laksevics, Janis Brizga, Pia Mamut, Halliki Kreinin, Doris Fuchs, and Inga Belousa, analyse the outcomes of the multi-country Policy Delphi approach, where stakeholders from Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Spain, and Sweden evaluated the desirability and feasibility of six eco-social policies.
Among the six policies evaluated, low-efficiency housing retrofits emerged as the most desirable, whereas income caps faced significant resistance. Stakeholders expressed concerns about worktime reduction, job guarantees, and income ceilings, fearing potential impacts on motivation and economic activity. Conversely, universal basic services, free public transport, and public renovation initiatives were met with questions regarding their efficiency, innovation incentives, and welfare entitlements.
Despite these concerns, the study finds broad agreement that eco-social policies are viable when implemented within a comprehensive policy mix. Stakeholders emphasised that isolated interventions may be ineffective; instead, policies should be integrated at a supranational level to ensure a coordinated, long-term approach to sustainability and social well-being.
The study contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable welfare by identifying pathways for harmonising social and environmental policies, and understanding cultural and historical bottlenecks in understanding. It highlights the necessity of reimagining welfare systems beyond traditional economic growth models, proposing regulatory frameworks that enable climate-friendly living while ensuring social equity. Understanding the desirability and feasibility of eco-social policies can offer progressive policymakers and social actors steps for moving forward. The findings also reinforce the importance of aligning climate policies with broader social objectives.
For more details, the full paper is available here.
Cite As:
Laksevics, K., Brizga, J., Mamut, P., Kreinin, H., Fuchs, D., & Belousa, I. (2025). An Eco-Social Policy Mix for 1.5°C Lifestyles: A Multi-Country Policy Delphi Analysis. Regulation & Governance. https://doi.org/10.1111/rego.12655
RIFS Potsdam