Most EU citizens back an urgent transition to greener fuel, survey shows

Three quarters of European Union citizens believe transitioning away from fossil fuels is urgent, according to a survey conducted by the European Investment Bank. Nearly nine in ten respondents want politicians to prioritize renewable energy sources. This widespread support for rapid action on climate change comes even as governments face pressure from various issues, including wars, protests, and financial strain.

The European Investment Bank survey of 23,000 people found that most Europeans prefer solar power as the most popular low-carbon energy source, followed by wind power, with nuclear power being the least favored. The survey, which saw an increase in the desire to prioritize low-carbon energy from 82% in 2022 to 87% in 2025, highlights the impact of the US-Israeli war on Iran on driving up fossil fuel prices, thereby convincing more people to support renewable energy.

EIB Group President Nadia Calviño emphasized that this shift is both environmentally responsible and economically beneficial, as it helps lower energy costs for businesses and households. Despite China's lead in wind and solar power, more than half of those surveyed, 55%, would prefer the EU to develop its own clean technology, even if it takes longer to arrive.