New polling data across five major European countries shows strong support for electrification and clean energy investment. These views cut across traditional left-right political divides. Over 6 in 10 (64%) believe that reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels makes Europe safer, when averaged across five countries surveyed. 8 out of 10 Europeans surveyed say that European countries should be working together, of which six say that cooperation has become more important in the current geopolitical context. At time of publication, the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has continued for over 100 days.
A YouGov poll conducted in May 2026 shows that the citizens surveyed see clean energy independence as a safety issue, not just a climate concern. The poll was jointly commissioned by E3G, Transport & Environment and the Electrification Alliance and designed to test public attitudes on clean energy solutions and security, following the outbreak of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
In this joint briefing, the three commissioning organisations analyse and break down the polling results with national and party-level examples from across five countries surveyed.
Key findings:
- Over 6 in 10 (64%) believe that reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels makes Europe safer, when averaged across five countries surveyed.
- More than half of respondents back government financial support for heat pumps: Italy (71%), France (66%), Germany (61%), Spain (58%), and Poland (51%).
- EU EV funding commands majority support in four of the five countries: Spain (63%), Germany (58%), Italy (57%), and France (54%). In those same four countries, most respondents also back direct government support for household EV purchasing: Italy (56%), Spain (56%), France (56%), and Germany (54%).
- European cooperation is seen as more important during the current geopolitical situation: 68% in Spain, 67% in Germany, 62% in France, and 61% in Italy. In Poland, 45% agree and a further 32% say cooperation should happen regardless of the current situation.
- Right-wing voters are among the most supportive groups: 70% of CDU/CSU voters (Chancellor Merz’s parliamentary bloc) back EU EV funding; 76% of Fratelli d’Italia voters support government funding for heat pumps; and 66% of French President Macron voters support government EV funding.
