Nearly seven in ten Poles believe that Poland should demand that the European Union relax its climate targets, even if it would mean losing part of EU funding. This follows from the latest United Surveys poll. Opposition politicians are referring to the results of the study, once again expressing strong opposition to the Green Deal and the ETS system.
“Do you think Poland should demand that the EU relax its climate targets, even at the cost of losing part of its funding?” – this is the question asked to participants in a survey conducted by United Surveys for Wirtualna Polska. The responses show that a clear majority of respondents are inclined to support Poland seeking softer EU climate requirements, even if this would be linked to a reduction in financial support from the EU.
Overall, 68.2% of respondents supported such a solution. Of these, 38.9% expressed strong support, while 29.3% gave a moderately positive answer. A contrary opinion was expressed by 23.4% of respondents. In this group, 16.1% chose “rather not”, while 7.3% selected “definitely not”. A lack of a clear position was declared by 8.4% of participants.
Opposition voters most decisive
The strongest support for easing climate targets was recorded among those declaring support for opposition political groups. In this group, 87% of respondents said that Poland should demand changes to EU climate policy. More than half of them (55%) expressed strong support for this position, while a further 32% answered “rather yes”.
Opponents were a small minority. A total of 7% of respondents gave negative answers, while 6% had no opinion on the matter.
EU and energy bills
In the electorate of the governing coalition, the picture is almost evenly split. Supporters of easing climate targets accounted for 48% of respondents, while opponents made up 46%.
The most frequently chosen answer was “rather yes” (32%), while 16% declared strong support for the proposal. Among opponents, “rather not” dominated (29%), and 17% expressed firm opposition. Undecided respondents accounted for 6%.
Many undecided among other voters
In the group described in the survey as “other voters”, more than half of respondents (56%) supported easing EU climate targets. Four in ten respondents in this group chose “definitely yes”, and 16% “rather yes”.
Opposition to such a solution was expressed by 20% of respondents. Notably, in this group there were no “definitely not” answers. At the same time, as many as 24% of respondents were unable to clearly define their position.
The United Surveys study for Wirtualna Polska was conducted on 22–24 May 2026 using CATI and CAWI methods on a sample of 1,000 people.
“Poles say NO to absurdities”
The survey results caused a stir in the media space. The findings are being cited, among others, by opposition politicians.
“Eco-extremists in Brussels pushed climate ideology so aggressively that a backlash has occurred. Nearly 70% of Poles clearly say “no” to these absurdities and, just like Przemysław Czarnek and our political formation, they demand rejection of ETS and the Green Deal. Even if it involves sanctions in the form of cutting EU funds. This shows determination in defending Polish interests, and it is an important signal for politicians – there is social consent for bold decisions. We guarantee that we will take them immediately after removing Tusk from power,” wrote Jacek Sasin, former Minister of State Assets.
In a post by Oskar Szafarowicz it is stated: “This is already a radical shift in public mood – fortunately in a very good direction. Nearly 70% of Poles believe that even at the cost of losing EU funds, the eco-ideology (such as ETS or the Green Deal) should be rejected. With President Karol Nawrocki and Prime Minister Przemysław Czarnek, bold and necessary decisions in this matter will be possible.”