Eurobarometer shows continued public support for biodiversity protection across Europe

Published at the start of the EU Green Week, the Special Eurobarometer survey on biodiversity shows continued support among Europeans for biodiversity and nature protection, despite economic and geopolitical challenges. Over 90% of all Europeans view protecting biodiversity and nature as essential for health, food security, clean water, climate resilience, as well as for long-term economic prosperity. There is also broad support for EU legislation and action to protect biodiversity in their country.

This survey was carried out as input for this year’s Green Week, which will explore how investment in nature and healthy ecosystems can strengthen Europe’s economy, security and resilience.

This Eurobarometer also shows that EU citizens identify the biggest three threats to biodiversity as pollution of air, soil and water (94%); man-made disasters such as oil spills and industrial accidents (92%); and the conversion of land for agriculture or urban development (90%).

The results of this survey also highlight strong support for protected areas and Natura 2000. 96% of respondents said protected areas are critical to preventing destruction of natural habitats. 95% support their role in protecting endangered species. 94% of respondents highlight the benefits of protected areas for clean air, water, and sustainable economies. A growing number of Europeans (42%, +12 percentage points) are aware of the EU-wide Natura 2000 network of protected areas, set up to ensure the protection and conservation of Europe’s most valuable biodiversity.

This survey highlights that citizens expect biodiversity policies to be well implemented, focused on restoration, that biodiversity is integrated in planning decisions and robust safeguards are maintained for the protected areas.

Background

The survey was carried out between February and March 2026 in the 27 EU Member States. Around 26,500 people from different social and demographic groups were interviewed face-to-face in their national language.

This Special Eurobarometer builds on previous editions from 2015 and 2018, allowing for comparison over time and helping track changes in public attitudes. Ensuring consistency with previous biodiversity Eurobarometer surveys, the survey aimed in particular to understand why Europeans believe biodiversity should be protected, including environmental, economic, health and moral reasons; assess which threats to biodiversity citizens consider most serious; identify expectations for biodiversity and nature protection and restoration at EU and local level; and examine attitudes towards protected areas, including Natura 2000 sites, and views on balancing conservation with development.

In addition to feeding into 2026 EU Green Week, this Eurobarometer will contribute to the ongoing stress-test of the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive, for which a public consultation is currently open until 10 August 2026. The stress-test is conducted in close cooperation with Member States and stakeholders and will build on the results of the 2016 Fitness Check of the Directives.

For more information: European Commission