The latest survey from Euroconsumers reveals what consumers think about the importance of sustainability, as well as their views on how well the EU has done on delivering climate policies. The poll was conducted in Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Spain and questioned over 4000 consumers.

The findings suggest that the consumers’ attitude towards the Green Deal is complicated. “The survey shows that the EU is walking a tricky tightrope.  One with low satisfaction on past performance, high expectations for its future delivery coupled with a lack of faith that the institution can deliver on some of the biggest challenges of our time,” according to Euroconsumers. 

At the time of the Euroconsumers’ survey (18-21 March),  45% of individuals considered climate change to be at the top of the list of their concerns. However, consumers are more worried about  inflation and the rise of living costs (64%), the war in Ukraine (47%) and the energy supply and prices (46%). 

Regarding the Green Deal, just 36% of consumers think positively of the EU’s work on delivering it while 28% ranked it as very poor. However, compared to other areas such as immigration or addressing the cost of living, the figures for the climate policies are more encouraging.

Looking ahead, 65% of consumers consider that green transition is important for their future. Furthermore, “an overwhelming majority” of 80% want the EU to consider the impact of its decision on the future generation

“If the EU cannot deliver on genuinely affordable, sustainable options, and shift incentives and subsidies away from polluting industries and into consumers’ hands, then faith in the institution could fall even lower,” concluded Euroconsumers.