Ahead of the EU Elections: Half of voters welcome tougher rules for countries to meet EU climate goals
As Europe heads to the polls, climate and sustainability are high on the agenda. Stena Recycling has surveyed 5,000 citizens from the Nordic countries and Poland about their views on the union's ambitions and its ability to meet its climate goals. Half do not believe that the EU's climate targets for reduced emissions will be met by 2030, and many are calling for stricter regulations and tougher requirements.
Stena Recycling's survey was conducted by Ipsos in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Poland in May 2024.
More than half of respondents in the four Nordic countries in the survey believe that stricter regulations are necessary for member states that do not comply with climate and sustainability legislation. In Poland, 40 percent think stricter regulations are required.
In the near future, new EU rules on greenwashing (Green Claims Directive) will be introduced. These rules aim to make it harder for companies to make false claims about their sustainability efforts. This is welcomed by respondents in all countries. Nearly 60 percent say they will trust the information about companies' sustainability efforts more with the new legislation in place.
"Ahead of this year's EU elections, it is clear that climate and sustainability are prioritized by many people. Our survey shows that even though many are skeptical about whether the climate goals will be met, the majority are convinced of the EU's ability to make a difference through new regulations and legislation. For us, as a player in recycling and an enabler within the circular economy, these are important insights, and it will be exciting to follow the development," says Ulf Arnesson, Executive Director, Business Development at Stena Recycling.
About the Survey:
5,000 consumers aged 18–65 in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Poland participated in the survey conducted by Ipsos in May 2024. In Sweden, 1,000 consumers participated.
Do you believe that Sweden/Norway/Finland/Denmark/Poland will achieve the EU's climate targets for 2030 and reduce emissions by 55 percent compared to 1990 levels?
| Sweden | Norway | Finland | Denmark | Poland | |
| We will achieve the targets. | 10% | 5% | 6% | 12% | 9% |
| We might achieve the targets. | 30% | 21% | 32% | 32% | 30% |
| We will probably not achieve the targets. | 32% | 40% | 37% | 33% | 25% |
| We will definitely not achieve the targets. | 16% | 21% | 16% | 11% | 21% |
| Uncertain / Don't know | 12% | 13% | 10% | 12% | 15% |
Do you believe that the EU should introduce stricter regulations for member countries that do not comply with climate and sustainability legislation?
| Sweden | Norway | Finland | Denmark | Poland | |
| Yes, I believe it's necessary to make a proper difference." | 57% | 49% | 49% | 58% | 35% |
| Yes, for another reason. | 7% | 8% | 9% | 9% | 5% |
| No, I think each country should be able to decide for itself. | 13% | 15% | 22% | 12% | 26% |
| No, I think they should prioritize other things before climate and sustainability. | 8% | 10% | 8% | 7% | 13% |
| No, for another reason. | 4% | 5% | 3% | 2% | 5% |
| Uncertain / Don't know | 12% | 14% | 10% | 13% | 16% |
Soon, new stricter EU regulations on so-called greenwashing will be introduced (Green Claims Directive) – meaning companies making false claims about their sustainability efforts. Will this make you trust companies more or less?
| Sweden | Norway | Finland | Denmark | Poland | |
| I will trust much more that the information is correct. | 10% | 11% | 11% | 18% | 14% |
| I will trust a little more that the information is correct. | 48% | 45% | 42% | 45% | 38% |
| It will not affect me. | 24% | 23% | 25% | 18% | 23% |
| I will trust a little less that the information is correct. | 4% | 4% | 7% | 3% | 6% |
| I will rely much less on the accuracy of the information | 3% | 3% | 4% | 4% | 5% |
| Uncertain / Don't know | 11% | 15% | 11% | 11% | 14% |
Press contact: Jesper Waltersson, Senior Manager, Communications, +46 705 11 26 70.
About Stena Recycling
Stena Recycling is one of Europe's leading recycling companies, offering comprehensive solutions in recycling and circular services. Every year, around six million tons of waste and end-of-life products are recycled from more than 100,000 customers across a range of industries. By keeping resources in the loop, Stena Recycling plays an important and central role in the transition to a circular economy. Besides actual recycling, Stena Recycling also supports its customers in their development towards sustainable business models through its consulting business Stena Circular Consulting. Stena Recycling is part of the Stena Metall Group. To learn more, please visit www.stenarecycling.com
