The governance of energy systems is undergoing a transformative shift, vital to advancing the energy transition. Understanding the dynamics of energy citizenship and the factors that influence citizen engagement in energy matters is critical for driving social and institutional change. This paper informs on the key results of a comprehensive analysis of 54 energy citizenship cases in the Baltic states (Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania). The study explores the role of citizens in the energy transition and characterizes the socio-economic and geopolitical factors shaping energy citizenship activities in the region. The governance of energy systems represents a significant transformational shift that is essential for energy transition. A more comprehensive understanding of the current state of energy citizenship and the factors influencing the energy transition process could inform the social and institutional changes necessary for the involvement of citizens in energy matters. This desk study represents a crucial element of the EU Horizon 2000 EnergyPROSPECTS project, which aims to map the landscape of energy citizenship in Europe. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of 54 cases from the Baltic states. The findings provide insight into the role of citizens in the transition process and the underlying factors and conditions that shape energy citizenship activities within the specific socio-economic and geopolitical context of the region. In general, energy citizenship in the Baltic states can be seen to exist on a spectrum between reformative and transformative practices. Overall, progress is being made toward systemic changes in the energy sector, with a focus on the democratization of processes. Nevertheless, additional measures to enhance and reinforce energy citizenship, coupled with the advancement of enabling conditions, are imperative at all levels of governance and across all energy transition scenarios.

The circular economy (CE) supports sustainable development through local action, with municipalities playing a central role in governance, service provision, and citizen involvement. This paper presents a systemic analysis of public attitudes, behaviours, and perceptions related to CE, aiming to identify governance gaps and recommend strategies to align implementation with societal needs. Data was collected through a survey across five consumption categories: food, textiles, plastics, electronics, and mobility. The findings indicated that the public is generally willing to adopt circular practices provided adequate services are available. The study applied the 10R framework to categorize circular strategies and mapped services to these relevant governance instruments: infrastructure, economic and planning instruments, education and information, and collaboration. A document analysis of multi-level governance frameworks further contextualized the results. A polarized engagement pattern emerged: preventive strategies like Reduce and Repair are supported by both public behaviour and municipal services, while end-of-pipe approaches such as Recycling and Landfilling continue to dominate. In contrast, mid-level strategies (Reuse, Refurbish, Remanufacture, and Repurpose) are significantly underrepresented. This gap highlights a critical shortfall in governance and service provisioning. The study concludes that advancing CE requires targeted interventions in infrastructure, improved access to circular services, and greater public awareness to enable broader participation.

This chapter explores the hindering and supporting factors in the development of energy citizenship in Latvia. This contribution identifies key threats arising from the complex economic landscape shaped by geopolitical dynamics and escalating energy costs, as well as the level of political commitment in the field of climate policy and renewable energy. The chapter identifies a lack of confidence in public institutions and collective efforts as one of the critical obstacles to broader engagement with energy citizenship initiatives. The chapter also highlights several factors that contribute to the development of a framework energy citizenship. These include robust financing and investment prospects in this field, initiated by the EU and national level support schemes; the pivotal role of decarbonisation technologies and renewable energy sources, particularly household solar installations as well as Latvia's natural resources, encompassing residual forestry materials and solid biomass. National policy recommendations are included to conclude this chapter. Overall, this contribution broadens the understandings of energy citizenship development in Latvia, paving the way for future potential policy decisions and strategic interventions.