A large majority of Europeans agree that using natural resources more efficiently and protecting the environment can boost economic growth in the EU. 90% of respondents in every single Member State to the latest survey by the European Commission shows that the environment is an important personal concern. They also believe that despite the economic crisis, almost nine in ten Europeans think EU funding should be allocated to support environmentally friendly activities.

The survey, which has been presented in a report by the European Commission, reveals that eight in ten citizens want businesses to do more to use natural resources more efficiently, more than seven in ten want nationals governments to do more and almost seven in ten think citizens themselves should do more. The results show therefore a growing awareness of the pressures on natural resources.

The report also contains a strong mandate for EU action because more than eight in ten Europeans agree that EU legislation is necessary to protect the environment in their country. In addition, almost 60% of Europeans think that environmentally friendly procurement procedures are the most effective way of tackling environmental problems and a 79% believes that the EU should help to support non-EU countries to protect the environment.

Environment Commissioner, Janez Potočnik, underlined that these figures show that Europeans are more strongly engaged with the environment than ever before. Furthermore, they offer unambiguous support for environmental legislation at the EU level.

Regarding their top five environmental concerns, more than three in ten Europeans think about the depletion of natural resources as their major concern (33%, up from 26% in 2007), followed by water pollution, the growth of waste and think about consumption. By contrast, concern for biodiversity loss, remains low with only 22% think about the loss of species and habitats.