Environment: Europe is worried, but there is no mass rejection of the ecological transition

However, contrary to some preconceived notions, the study does not reveal a collective rejection of environmental policy. The ecological transition remains widely supported, provided it is fairer, more transparent, and better integrated with economic development.

A pessimistic Europe, with France particularly affected

In general, pessimism is widespread in Europe. On average, 53% of Europeans believe their country is heading in the wrong direction. France is the most pessimistic country in Europe, with 72% of French people believing their country is going in the wrong direction—a higher figure than that found, for example, in Hungary, Slovakia, or Greece.

This observation extends to the assessment of the economic situation: 48% of Europeans believe that the economy in their region of residence is declining, a figure that reaches 53% in France. Furthermore, these concerns about the overall economic outlook are also evident at the individual level. Only 33% of Europeans believe that their economic situation will improve in the coming year, a figure that drops to 27% in France, once again making France one of the countries with the highest levels of pessimism in Europe.

In this context of economic fragility and loss of confidence, the way Europeans approach environmental issues takes on particular importance.

Environment: high perception of the effects of climate change, widespread skepticism, but no backlash

Despite climate skepticism remaining a structuring force in several countries (only 64% of Europeans and 65% of French people consider that climate change is a reality and that it is caused by human activity) the perception of the effects of climate change is majority: 58% of Europeans say they are already feeling the consequences, a figure that reaches 63% in France.

However, the survey reveals no massive environmental backlash. Neither individually nor collectively do Europeans express a systematic rejection of environmental policies. On the one hand, a majority of Europeans declare themselves ready to change their behavior (buy less fast fashion, travel abroad less, consume differently, etc.) to combat climate change. On the other hand, at the collective level, 47% of Europeans, including 45% of the French, say they intend to vote in the next elections for a candidate who makes environmental issues a priority.

The acceptability of environmental policy is therefore strong, even if it depends on the ability of governments to design mechanisms perceived as fair, effective and sustainable.

High expectations for a credible transition: growth, justice and clarity

Linking ecological transition and economic development

Europeans do not see ecological transition and economic development policies as mutually exclusive. 56% of Europeans believe that "an ambitious environmental policy can have beneficial effects on their country's economy," a figure similar to that in France. Furthermore, when asked about the economic sectors that should be prioritized in their country, low-carbon technologies and green energy come in second place (35%), behind the agricultural and agri-food sector (44%), but ahead of defense (34%). In this respect, France is almost perfectly in line with the European average.

Europeans also remain largely convinced of the role of low-carbon technologies in addressing climate challenges: 68% of them want to increase investment in these technologies (66% in France).

Strengthening environmental justice

In many countries, a recurring criticism is emerging: the ecological transition currently relies too heavily on households. Fewer than 40% of Europeans support environmental measures that would lead to an increase in energy or food prices. 41% of Europeans also believe that they are already being asked to make too many personal sacrifices for the ecological transition. This figure reaches 51% among the French, the highest in Europe. However, the study shows significant support for structural measures:

• Only 31% of Europeans say they are against the carbon market (30% in France).
• Only 24% oppose additional taxation of imported goods that do not meet environmental standards (21% in France).

These figures reflect a majority support for policies geared towards businesses and international trade rather than individual effort.

Clarify the financing of the ecological transition

The study highlights significant uncertainty regarding the financing of the transition. Public opinion supports the objectives but expresses persistent doubt about the distribution of the burden and the mechanisms to be used. Of the various financing methods tested, none garnered the support of a majority of the population.

Renewing the narratives and storytellers surrounding the environmental transition

While Europeans are concerned about climate change, they are far more skeptical about the actions of environmental advocates. 41% of Europeans and 41% of French people feel poorly represented by environmentalists. The effectiveness of environmental policies will therefore also depend on the ability to produce more concrete narratives, better grounded in everyday life and championed by actors perceived as credible.

The Europulse 2025 study shows that, despite a challenging context and marked pessimism—particularly in France—Europeans are not rejecting the ecological transition. Support remains real, but it calls for a fairer transition, better explained and more closely linked to a coherent economic strategy.

The future of European environmental policy will lie in the ability of institutions to reconcile three requirements: credibility, fairness and clarity.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.