A recent analysis by the European Commission, based on data from the Eurobarometer survey "Fairness perceptions of the green transition", examines what factors influence EU citizens' support for the green transition and their willingness to and the ability to engage in pro-environmental measures. While there is broad support for a just green transition, not all EU citizens are equally prepared to act to combat climate change due to existing inequalities. Understanding how demographic and socio-economic characteristics influence these attitudes and behaviours is key to designing effective and equitable policies.

Analysis focused on various climate policies (including investments in public transport, green taxation, subsidies for home renovations for vulnerable groups and incentives for businesses) and on pro-environmental behaviour at the individual level (sustainable transport and energy efficiency measures). The findings show that not only the ability to act, but also the willingness to act are major factors influencing the level of policy support and engagement. Socio-demographic, economic and other factors contribute significantly to these differences.

Let's take a closer look at the influence of individual factors:

Age

Age has proven to be an important factor. Younger people (aged 25-34) are most likely to support taxation of polluting products with redistribution of revenues, with this support decreasing with age up to 65 years. Older people (over 65) and also people aged 35-44 are more likely to support policies encouraging companies to be more sustainableOlder people (over 65) are also more likely to support investment in public transport, which may be linked to their greater reliance on it.

In the area connections A U-shaped curve is emerging in sustainable transport. Working people (aged 25-64) are less involved in sustainable transport as younger (15-24) and older (65+). Young adults (25-34 years) are the least likely to take action to energy efficiencyThis may be related to financial constraints or limited decision-making power, as this demographic often lives with parents or as renters.

Gender

There are gender differences in both policy support and engagement. Women are less likely to belong to groups that can afford higher prices, but they are more likely to belong to the group of those willing but unable to afford it. Women are more likely to support energy quotasA possible explanation is that men's consumption and behavioral patterns tend to have a higher carbon footprint than women's, so energy quotas would affect women less.

In the area of behavior women are more likely than men to engage in sustainable transport (public transport, cycling, walking). However, women are less likely than men to adopt energy efficiency measuresThese differences may be due to different household roles, decision-making dynamics, or perceived benefits of energy-saving investments, as well as lower incomes and greater caregiving responsibilities for women.

Education

Higher levels of education are associated with with greater willingness and ability afford to act in favor of the green transition. However, individuals with secondary and tertiary education are also more likely than those with primary education to they will not be willing to pay more even if they could afford it.

Education is a significant predictor of support for energy quotas – higher educated individuals are significantly less likely to support themA possible explanation is that they tend to have a higher carbon footprint and quotas would pose a threat to their lifestyle.

In the area of behavior Higher educated individuals are significantly less likely to use sustainable transport (reliance on private cars or air transport). On the contrary, more likely to invest in energy efficiency measures, probably due to greater environmental awareness and access to resources.

Home ownership

Home ownership affects both perception and the ability to act. Homeowners are less likely to be in the group unable to afford higher prices, but are more likely to be in the group of unwilling, even if they could afford it. Homeowners have the decision-making power to implement energy efficiency measures.

Compared to homeowners, tenants they show higher support for policies targeting public transport infrastructure, redistributive green policies and green incentives for businesses. This suggests that renters prefer policies that directly benefit them. Homeowners, on the other hand, may find policies that support home renovation more useful.

As for behavior, tenants are more likely to engage in sustainable transportHowever, less likely to invest in energy efficiency measuresThese differences result from limited control over property modifications or financial constraints that limit their ability to make changes to their living spaces.

Location type (urban/rural)

Location is related to both willingness and ability to act. Living in cities/suburbs or the countryside makes it less likely that they will be willing and able to afford higher prices, but increases the likelihood that they will be willing but unable to afford it.

Support for policies also depends on the type of residential area. Compared to urban/suburban residents, rural residents they are more likely to support policies aimed at businesses and home renovation. City dwellers they are more likely to support energy quotas, public transport investments, redistributive policies and incentives for businesses. This reflects specific needs and priorities based on the environment.

Compared to urban/suburban residents, Rural residents are less likely to use sustainable transport and take energy efficiency measures. Urban environments may offer more favorable conditions for energy efficiency (better access to public transport, infrastructure for cycling and walking). In rural areas, longer travel distances and limited public transport options may be obstacles.

Financial situation (difficulty paying bills)

Financial difficulties significantly affect both policy support and engagement. Those who struggling to pay bills, are more supportive of energy quotas and redistributive green policies, but are less supportive of public transport investments, home renovation subsidies and business incentives. This suggests a possible misperception of the expected benefits of these policies, as they may not see them as directly affecting their lives.

Nevertheless, those who struggling to pay bills, are more likely to engage in sustainable transportationThis behavior may be driven by necessity or a motivation to save costs. However, they are less likely to take energy efficiency measuresThis may be related to lower homeownership rates, limited financial resources to invest in home improvements, or a preference for immediate financial commitments.

The study's findings highlight that socio-economic and demographic factors significantly shape how EU citizens perceive and participate in the green transition. They influence not only their financial capacity, but also their perceptions, priorities and barriers that affect their willingness and actual engagement. Taking these differences into account is key to designing fair and effective climate policies that ensure that the green transition leaves no one behind. Spring