Eight in ten Europeans support the EU-wide goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050, the latest Eurobarometer survey found. More than three quarters of European citizens agree that the cost of damage due to climate change is higher than the investment needed for a net-zero transition.
Most Europeans (85%) agree that tackling climate change should be a priority to improve public health and quality of life. Likewise, 83 per cent of those surveyed agree that preparing better for the adverse impacts of climate change will improve the lives of EU citizens.
According to the survey, many European citizens also feel the impact of climate change in their daily lives. On average, almost 4 in 10 Europeans (38%) feel personally exposed to environmental and climate-related risks and threats. In eight member states, more than half of those surveyed feel this way. This was mostly the case in Southern Europe, but also in Poland and Hungary.
Support for renewables and efficiency is high
Close to nine in ten Europeans (88%) think it is important that the EU take action to increase renewable energy, and the same number (88%) believe that it is important for the EU to take action to improve energy efficiency, for example by encouraging people to insulate their home, install solar panels or buy electric cars.
Three quarters (75%) believe that reducing fossil fuel imports will increase energy security and benefit the EU economically. Sevety-seven per cent of Europeans agree that acting on climate change will foster innovation.
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A large majority of EU citizens are taking individual climate action (92%) and making sustainable choices in their daily lives. Citizens identified national governments (66%), the EU (59%), and business and industry (58%) as best placed to tackle climate change.
From Malta down to Czechia and Estonia
Though in general the survey found a very high support for EU climate policy and climate targets, significant differences can be identified when it comes to breakdown by nation states.
As an example, in nearly all member states, more than half of respondents support the EU objective to become climate-neutral by 2050. The highest support for this target has been identified in Malta and Sweden (94% and 91%, respectively). The other end of the scale sees the rather climate-sceptical citizens of Czechia (51%) and Estonia (46%).
The poll was conducted in February/March 2025, published on Monday, 30 June. Data was collected in all EU member states using face-to-face methodology.
