According to an Eurobarometer survey, nine out of ten EU citizens want the EU to help people in developing countries to gain access to energy. 82% also think that the percentage of EU development aid that is spent on improving energy access should be higher than its current level of 2%.

A new survey published ahead of the "EU Sustainable Energy for All Summit" which will take place on the 16 of April, and which will bring together the EU, UN and developing countries with industry, civil society and the private sector shows that 95% of Europeans think that having access to energy is important for overcoming poverty. Last year summit focused on the use of smart meters for more savings.

Among the main findings published at the Eurobarometer, it is that 77% of respondents believe that the main future source of energy for developing countries should be renewable energies, such as wind, hydropower and solar. In addition, a majority of respondents think that not having access to energy creates the biggest problems in people's lives when it comes to cooking and preserving food and having access to healthcare.

On the other hand, EU Development Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs announced the Commission's intention to move up a gear to "energise development". He also added that the Commission will remain a leader in helping developing countries to achieve universal access to energy for all.