85% of Europeans see climate change as a serious threat and support policies to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
88% support stronger EU action on renewables and energy efficiency as a path to energy security and economic resilience.
Public trust in institutions outweighs faith in individual impact, with national governments, the EU, and industry seen as best placed to lead on climate action.
A strong majority of Europeans believe climate change is a critical issue requiring urgent action, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey.
85% of citizens say tackling climate change should be a priority to improve health and quality of life, and 81% support the EU’s climate neutrality target for 2050.
“The cost of damage due to climate change is much higher than the investment needed for a net-zero transition,” agreed 77% of respondents.
Climate change is not a distant threat—38% of Europeans feel personally exposed to environmental and climate-related risks. Those in Southern Europe, as well as Poland and Hungary, report the highest vulnerability.
Support for energy transformation is strong across the EU.
88% of Europeans want the EU to increase renewable energy and improve energy efficiency. The same number back home improvements like insulation, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
“Reducing fossil fuel imports will increase energy security and benefit the EU economically,” said 75% of respondents.
“Europeans are sending a powerful message: they care about the climate, they feel the risks, and they believe in action. The Green Deal is not an abstract goal — it’s a shared path to healthier lives, secure energy, and an economy that works for people. This survey confirms that citizens are ready to move forward, and they expect us to lead with clarity and ambition. Listening to them means making the transition fair, fast, and rooted in solidarity and dignity. “ Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
84% believe European clean tech companies deserve more support to compete globally, signaling widespread backing for the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal. Additionally, 77% say climate action will foster innovation.
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While 92% of citizens report taking sustainable actions, only 28% believe individuals are best positioned to solve the climate crisis. Instead, most place responsibility on:
National governments (66%)
The EU (59%)
Business and industry (58%)
Regional and local governments followed at 44%.
However, a communication gap persists.
Though 84% believe climate change is caused by human activity, 52% say traditional media fails to provide clear, reliable information. Nearly half (49%) struggle to distinguish facts from misinformation on social media.
The findings are based on Special Eurobarometer 565, which surveyed over 26,000 citizens across all 27 EU Member States between 18 February and 10 March 2025. Conducted through face-to-face and remote interviews, the survey captures broad support for the EU’s climate trajectory.
The EU remains a global frontrunner in climate action, with legally binding 2030 targets and a 2050 climate neutrality goal. Recent policy momentum—such as the updated National Energy and Climate Plans, the Clean Industrial Deal, and the Affordable Energy Action Plan—highlights a coordinated effort to align innovation, competitiveness, and social equity with decarbonisation.
“This survey shows Europeans are worried about climate change and want concrete and bold actions. Their strong support for EU initiatives, from clean energy to industrial innovation, is a powerful mandate to continue delivering a fair, secure, and competitive transition to climate neutrality. Our policies are helping turn that shared ambition into action across Europe. Our job as politicians and policy makers is to harness this support and ensure that we encourage and shape a transition which is fair for our citizens and good for our economy, society and security. “ Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth
With preparations under way to revise the European Climate Law and introduce a new EU Climate Adaptation Plan in 2026, the region continues to lead a transition grounded in resilience, investment, and long-term sustainability.
Read the full survey here.
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