The European Green Deal sets out the strategy for the EU to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Fairness and solidarity are an integral part of the EU’s green transition.  

A recent Eurobarometer survey was carried out to assess EU citizens’ attitudes towards the need for a fair and green transition and their expectations around the green transition and the impact it will have on their lives.

Overall, most respondents believe that the EU green transition should not leave anyone behind, however, only 50% agree that the EU is doing enough to ensure that the green transition is fair. 

When asked about their expectations on job and skills opportunities that the green transition offers, 57% of the respondents agree that policies to fight climate change will create more new jobs than they will remove. Furthermore, only 54% of respondents feel that they have skills to contribute to the green transition, while only one third feel that their job is contributing to the green transition.

To ensure a fair green transition, the EU has dedicated 2023 as the European Year of Skills with the aim of empowering citizens the right skillset to navigate the labour market changes resulting from this transition.