BRUSSELS, Belgium, March 14, 2007.
Countries in Europe should set a minimum percentage for the share of renewables, according to 83% of respondents in a Eurobarometer opinion survey.
A total of 12% were opposed to the proposal based on their belief that member states should be able to decide independently of the EU or because the measure would raise energy prices, or because the share of renewables should not be regulated at all. Eight countries recorded support levels in excess of 90%, led by Ireland with 94% but including Luxembourg, Slovenia, Belgium, Spain, Greece, Malta and Cyprus, while four countries (Lithuania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia) gave less than 60% support.
The survey was designed to determine support for greater EU action on energy and climate change, and found the “overwhelming majority” of European citizens are concerned about climate change. Respondents are well aware of the impact of energy production and consumption on climate change and global warming, while an overwhelming majority feels that the best way to tackle energy-related issues would be at EU level.
“This survey clearly shows that EU citizens expect the EU to shape a common European response to face energy and climate change challenges,” says energy commissioner Andris Piebalgs. “The Commission is working to address citizens’ concerns with initiatives that will deliver an integrated energy policy for Europe that will tackle climate change and provide us with a sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply.”
Half of EU citizens were very concerned about the effects of climate change, with the level of concern increasing significantly in southern countries. Respondents in Spain, Cyprus, Malta and Greece were the most worried.
“Climate change is happening; EU citizens expect EU leadership on this issue,” adds environment commissioner Stavros Dimas. “The EU must use this political momentum in order to put Europe and the World on the path to a more energy secure and low carbon future.”
More than eight out of ten (82%) were well aware that energy has a negative impact on climate, and 62% said the best way to tackle energy-related issues is through measures at the EU level. Respondents were fairly certain that energy prices will increase significantly over the next decade due to ongoing climate change, with 76% saying they will need to change their energy consumption habits in the next decade and 72% saying they will need to install energy-efficient heating, lighting, cooling and other equipment.
When asked, 61% of respondents think that the share from nuclear reactors should be decreased due to concerns over nuclear waste and accidents. They near-unanimously (92%) backed the introduction of high safety requirements for all nuclear reactors in the EU.
