Enviro policy should be set by Brussels – poll

Most Europeans want to see Brussels laying down the law when it comes to the environment, rather than letting member states set their own standards.


This was the headline claim of a survey carried out by the EC’s in-house pollsters Eurobarometer this week, which claimed that just over two thirds of those asked thought the EU was better placed to make decisions on environmental policy than national governments.

The poll also asked the public to list their top environmental concerns and, not surprisingly, climate change was the biggest fear.

Pollution, man-made disasters and hazardous chemicals in consumer products were seen as the next greatest threats.

Almost three quarters of Europeans also claimed they were willing to buy environmentally-friendly products, even if they had to spend a little more.

Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: “Most Europeans say that the European Union should do more for the environment and that decisions on the environment are best made at European level.

“An overwhelming majority of Europeans see harmonised European environmental legislation as necessary, and believe that the EU should help other countries improve their environmental standards.”

Full results of the survey can be found here

Sam Bond

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe