According to he European Commission, the latest Standard Eurobarometer survey conducted in June 2023 shows that EU citizens continue to back overwhelmingly the energy transition and to expect massive investment in renewables. More than eight in ten EU citizens think that the EU should invest massively in renewable energies, such as wind and solar power (85%) and that increasing energy efficiency of buildings, transport, and goods will make us less dependent on energy producers outside the EU (82%). In addition, 80% believe that EU Member States should jointly buy energy from other countries to get a better price.

Furthermore, 81% of respondents agree that reducing imports of oil and gas and investing in renewable energy is important for our overall security and 82% say that the EU should reduce its dependency on Russian sources of energy as soon as possible.

While inflation remains a major concern, perceptions of the economic situation and economic expectations are improving. A majority of Europeans believe that NextGenerationEU, the EU's €800 billion recovery plan, can be effective to respond to the current economic challenges. Support for the euro stays high.

Moreover, they continue to widely approve measures taken by the EU to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. They also support stronger EU defence cooperation and increased defence spending.

77% agree that the EU should build partnerships with countries outside the EU to invest in sustainable infrastructure and connect people and countries around the world. In addition, 69% believe that the EU has sufficient power and tools to defend the economic interests of Europe in the global economy.

27% of Europeans think that ‘rising prices/inflation/cost of living' is one of the two most important issues facing the EU at the moment (-5 pp since January-February). The international situation comes second at 25% (-3 pp), closely followed by immigration (24%, +7 pp) and the ‘environment and climate change' (22%, +2 pp). Energy supply (16%, -10 pp) has seen a sharp decrease, dropping from the third position to the sixth.