Despite the Europe-wide trend towards conservative parties, sustainability is an important concern and voting motive among EU citizens.
Although the trend in the European elections is towards conservative parties that do not rate sustainability as a high priority, the topic remains very important for the EU population. A majority of over 70% of the EU population sees the issue of sustainability as an opportunity for the EU economy and supports stronger sanctions for companies that do not operate sustainably. Accordingly, the pressure on companies will remain high. The demand for sustainability will not disappear. For the Horváth study, a representative sample of over 1,900 eligible voters (aged 16 and over) from seven European countries, including Germany, France, Spain and Italy, was surveyed in April/May 2024.
Key aspect #01
Sustainability is predominantly seen as an opportunity for the EU economy – also among respondents with a conservative voting intention.
In contrast to companies, which often complain about new requirements, the EU population has a positive attitude towards sustainability and sees it above all as an opportunity for the European economy. Only a minority of the citizens fear a loss of prosperity or the risk of deindustrialization.
The fight against climate change is an opportunity for the economy in Europe.
The fight against climate change in Europe will trigger a deindustrialization of the continent.
Sustainability, as it is currently being demanded in Europe, jeopardizes our prosperity.
Key aspect #02
EU citizens support incentives and sanctions to promote sustainability.
Despite the trend towards conservative parties, 8 out of 10 EU citizens support measures that motivate companies to operate more sustainably.
I am in favor of greater incentives for companies that operate more sustainably.
I am in favor of stronger sanctions for companies that do not operate sustainably.
Key aspect #03
Despite the trend towards conservative parties, sustainability is an important electoral motive in EU parliamentary elections.
While conservative parties in particular treat sustainability as a subordinate priority, it remains a very important issue for the EU population. Sustainability is a relevant voting motive for 62% of respondents. 75% of respondents are concerned about the effects of climate change. The pressure on companies will remain high. The demand for sustainability will not disappear.
I assume that the European elections will swing strongly towards conservative parties.
The issue of sustainability is important for my voting decision in the 2024 European elections.
When I think about the lives of future generations, when resources will be even scarcer and climate change will have a major impact, it makes me very uneasy.
The responsibility lies with...
| every citizen | the government of my country | the EU | the companies based in my country |
Many EU citizens are skeptical about supposedly sustainable products. Four out of five agree with the statement:
Find out here how we can help our customers take a responsible and sustainable path into the future.
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