Brussels, 02/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - In a Eurobarometer poll published ahead of the first European summit (to be held on Friday 4 February), the European Parliament quizzed Europeans, who still remember the gas supply crises of the winters of 2005-6 and 2008-9, about fuel policy and what they expect the EU and the member states to do about fuel supplies. The statistics speak for themselves. When it comes to energy policy, Europeans want more Europe.
In the event of fuel supply problems, 60% of the Europeans polled are in favour of EU coordination of energy policies, with 32% preferring purely national solutions. Some 79% want member states to back each other up in the event of crisis.
On energy cooperation, Europeans' attitudes depend on the country in question. Stable fuel prices are the top priority for 29% of those polled, but this hides huge differences depending on the country. Fuel price stability is the most important aspect for 45% of Czechs, for example, but only 8% of Danes. Likewise, when it comes to renewable energy, this is the top priority for 27% of Europeans, ranging from 53% of those polled in Denmark and 51% of Swedes, but only 12% in Lithuania and 13% in the Czech Republic. Security of supply and energy efficiency were the key issue for 20% and 16% of Europeans polled, respectively, making these issues the third and fourth most important issue on average. (E.H./transl.fl)