An overwhelming majority of EU citizens supported investment in renewable energy and reducing reliance on Russian energy, according to summer 2022 Standard Eurobarometer findings released on September 6, 2022.
The survey found that 87% agreed the EU should invest in renewables and 86% supported reducing dependence on Russian energy sources. Another 86% backed filling gas storage rapidly for winter. These are EU-wide figures, distinct from the higher Irish percentages also included in the Commission's Ireland release.
Support for increasing energy efficiency reached 85%, while 83% favoured joint energy purchases by EU member states. The findings measured respondents' policy preferences, not the share of energy already produced from renewables or the extent of dependence already eliminated.
The June–July survey also recorded strong support for the EU's response to Russia's invasion, alongside rising concern about economic conditions. The Commission's Ireland representation reproduced the findings from the central release.
Read more at European Commission. Supporting source: ireland.representation.ec.europa.eu.
