Ecological Transition and Inequality: Europe’s Double Challenge

According to a recent survey, two-thirds of Europeans closely link ecological transition and the resolution of inequalities, revealing a complex outlook on the continent's sustainable future.
Transition écologique inégalités Europe emploi

Partagez:

The survey conducted by BVA for the European Investment Bank (EIB) reveals a striking reality: 68% of European Union citizens believe that the transition to a carbon-neutral economy must be accompanied by a fight against inequality. This perspective underlines the interconnection between environmental and social issues, and highlights the complexity of the challenges facing Europe. The survey, carried out from August 7 to September 4, gathered the opinions of 30,245 people across 35 countries, including the EU 27.

Diverse Concerns Dominated by Cost of Living

The cost of living, cited by 68% of Europeans and 70% of French people, dominates concerns, outstripping climate change and environmental degradation. These figures reflect a palpable anxiety about inflation and its daily repercussions, while underlining the growing importance of environmental awareness.

Optimism in Bern about the Economic Impact of Transition

The survey reveals a significant drop in optimism about the economic benefits of the energy transition. In 2021, 56% of Europeans were expecting transition-related job creation, compared with 51% in 2023. This trend is more marked in Nordic countries such as the Netherlands, where the expectation of improved employment due to the transition has dropped from 62% to 42%. In Germany, optimism also fell, from 54% to 41%.

France, a Case of Moderate Optimism

France stands out for a slight improvement in optimism about jobs linked to the climate transition. In 2023, 57% of French people see measures to combat climate change as a potential source of job creation, up slightly on 2021 (55%).

This survey highlights a Europe at a crossroads, torn between immediate economic concerns and long-term environmental issues. Taking account of inequalities in the ecological transition is therefore becoming an imperative if we are to meet the expectations of our citizens and forge a sustainable and equitable future.

Rapid growth in solar and wind capacities will lead to a significant rise in electricity curtailment in Brazil, as existing transmission infrastructure remains inadequate to handle this massive influx of energy, according to a recent study by consulting firm Wood Mackenzie.
In April 2025, fossil fuels represented 49.5% of South Korea's electricity mix, dropping below the symbolic threshold of 50% for the first time, primarily due to a historic decline in coal-generated electricity production.
The US Senate Finance Committee modifies the '45Z' tax credit to standardize the tax treatment of renewable fuels, thereby encouraging advanced biofuel production starting October 2025.
While advanced economies maintain global energy leadership, China and the United States have significantly progressed in the security and sustainability of their energy systems, according to the World Economic Forum's annual report.
On the sidelines of the US–Africa summit in Luanda, Algiers and Luanda consolidate their energy collaboration to better exploit their oil, gas, and mining potential, targeting a common strategy in regional and international markets.
The UK's Climate Change Committee is urging the government to quickly reduce electricity costs to facilitate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles, judged too slow to achieve the set climate targets.
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.
Madrid announces immediate energy storage measures while Lisbon secures its electrical grid, responding to the historic outage that affected the entire Iberian Peninsula in late April.
Indonesia has unveiled its new national energy plan, projecting an increase of 69.5 GW in electricity capacity over ten years, largely funded by independent producers, to address rapidly rising domestic demand.
French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
The European Commission unveils an ambitious plan to modernize electricity grids and introduces the Clean Industrial Deal, mobilizing hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen the continent's industrial and energy autonomy.
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
The French National Assembly approves a specific target of 200 TWh renewable electricity production by 2030 within a legislative text extensively debated about the future national energy mix.
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.