In brief

• Over three quarters of EU citizens consider phasing out fossil fuels urgent, according to an EIB survey.
• Around 87 percent of respondents want low-emission energy sources to be given preference, compared with 82 percent in 2022.
• The most support went to solar energy, named by 52 percent of respondents.

Rising energy prices shift moods

According to a survey by the European Investment Bank (EIB), reported by the news agency Reuters, more than three quarters of European Union citizens consider phasing out fossil fuels an urgent matter (Európania chcú rýchly odchod od fosílnych palív a uprednostnenie zelených zdrojov, tvrdí Európska investičná banka – Pravda.sk) (Tri štvrtiny Európanov chcú rýchly koniec fosílnych palív, volajú po OZE | oPeniazoch.sk – zoznam.sk). Around 87 percent of respondents want low-emission energy sources to be given preference, which represents an increase compared with the 2022 survey (Väčšina občanov EÚ považujú odklon od fosílnych palív za naliehavý – teraz.sk).

The bank notes that rising prices of fossil fuels in the Union, which imports much of its energy, have persuaded some citizens to support renewable sources as a way to limit costs. EIB President Nadia Calviño assesses that, in a rapidly changing geopolitical situation, lowering energy costs for businesses and households is economically sensible and at the same time serves the climate.

Which sources gain the most support

The most responses in the survey went to solar energy: 52 percent of respondents believe it should be at the centre of attention. Wind energy was backed by 37 percent of those surveyed, and nuclear energy by 19 percent.

What this means for businesses

For entrepreneurs, political and social pressure for investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency is growing. Public support for such projects, especially from EU programmes and development bank loans, may become increasingly important for companies planning to modernise their plants.

Important context

The EIB survey reflects public opinion, not a regulatory decision. The result alone does not determine specific changes to law or new deadlines. However, it indicates the direction of sentiment across the Union at a time when energy prices remain a cost factor for the economy.

Comparison of results

• Share wanting preference for low-emission energy: 87 percent (2026) versus 82 percent (2022)
• Solar: 52 percent of mentions
• Wind: 37 percent of mentions
• Nuclear: 19 percent of mentions