Special Eurobarometer on the Future of Europe

Climate change tops the challenges for the EU

The results of a Eurobarometer survey published jointly by the European Parliament and the European Commission reveal that 9 out of 10 Europeans consider action on climate change as the main challenge for the EU. Tackling climate change can help improve the health and well-being of Europeans.

Respondents of the survey highly support the environmental objectives of the European Green Deal, with 88% in support to increase the share of renewable energy in our economy and have greater energy efficiency, while 80% agree on the importance of making Europe the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and promoting the growth of the zero- and low-emissions vehicles market.

Other future global challenges highlighted by respondents include health (34%) and forced migration and displacement (30%), having comparable living standards (31%), a common health policy (22%), stronger solidarity among Member States (21%) and energy independence (20%).

For Maltese respondents, the main current challenges for the EU are Migration (62%), the Environment and Climate Change (32%) and Social Inequalities (24%). When asked what they consider as the main challenges for the EU in the future, climate change comes first.

Europeans consider the EU's respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law (27%) as the main asset of the EU, followed by its economic, industrial and trading power (25%).

Peace (49%), freedom of opinion (47%), social equality and solidarity (45%), and tolerance and openness to others (44%) are the values best embodied by the EU – in comparison with other countries, according to respondents.

A large majority of Europeans agree they are happy living in the EU (81%) and their country (89%), as well as being happy with their family life (89%).

The Conference on the Future of Europe
European citizens remain continuously interested in contributing to and participating in the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Overall, Europeans see climate change and the environment (44%), health (40%), as well as a stronger economy, social justice and jobs (40%) as key issues for the Conference.

There is a clear expectation that the Conference should lead to tangible results. Indeed, respondents would be most encouraged to take part in the activities of the Conference if they were convinced that their participation would have a real impact (53%).

90% of Europeans agree that EU citizens' voices should be taken more into account in decisions relating to the future of Europe. 55% of Europeans mention voting in European elections as one of the most effective ways of ensuring voices are heard by decision-makers at EU level.

All Europeans can share their ideas on how to shape our common future on the Multilingual Digital Platform of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

For the full results of the Eurobarometer Survey and the results for Malta
Special Eurobarometer on the Future of Europe (Jan 2022) - click here.