Poles' views on EU climate policy shift, new poll reveals

Public opinion in Poland is shifting regarding the European Union's climate policy, with a new poll indicating a growing belief that it will lead to lower energy prices. This change in sentiment comes as President Andrzej Duda's proposal for a referendum on the EU's climate policy is being debated in the Senate. Previously, a majority of Poles believed the EU's climate agenda would increase energy costs. However, a recent survey conducted in July 2026 found that 44% of respondents now expect energy prices to fall, while only 43% anticipate an increase. This marks a significant reversal from the previous year, when 51% expected prices to rise and only 37% expected them to decrease. The debate in Poland highlights the complex relationship between climate action and economic concerns, particularly in a country heavily reliant on coal. The EU's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) places a significant cost on CO2 emissions, impacting Poland's energy sector. While the cost of emissions allowances contributes substantially to industrial energy prices and a smaller portion of household bills, there is a growing recognition of the potential for renewable energy sources (RES) and nuclear power to lower costs in the long term. The poll also revealed a strong preference for future energy mixes, with 53% favoring renewables and 47% supporting nuclear power, while coal still holds a significant, albeit growing, share at 26%. President Duda's push for a referendum, asking "Are you for Poland implementing the European Union's climate policy?", faces political hurdles. Opponents argue that rejecting EU regulations could lead to economic repercussions, including trade barriers and restricted access to the single market. Despite these challenges, the evolving public perception suggests a potential softening of resistance to the EU's climate objectives, driven by a more optimistic outlook on energy costs and a growing embrace of green technologies.

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Are you for Poland implementing the European Union's climate policy?