O KONCEPTU JAVNIH DOBARA I EKOLOŠKIM EKSTERNALIJAMA – NEKE TEORIJSKE NAPOMENE

Abstract

Public goods represent the foundation of the legitimacy of public finances. This paper examines basic theoretical concepts of public goods and external effects, considering different definitions of these terms and the doctrinal disagreements that accompany them. Special attention is given to the analysis of the functions of internalizing negative environmental externalities through economic instruments of environmental protection, which should enable corrections in the pricing structure of certain goods and services to achieve the optimal use of the environment, thus increasing general social welfare. All models and instruments aimed at internalization, whether those founded on the use of market effects or those that require stricter state regulation, are a respectable choice and have their positive and negative side. Although market solutions are always the most effective, in case of environmental protection, public regulation is inevitable, and the most optimal solution is precisely a combination of different models.