Majority of Europeans Reject Reliance on Trump or Putin for Energy, Call for Homegrown Renewables
May 5, 2025 – New polling data, commissioned by the Secure Energy Project and conducted by award-winning research agency Opinium, reveals widespread European distrust in both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump to meet their energy needs — and a decisive preference for homegrown renewable energy over imported fossil fuels.
The poll surveyed nationally representative samples of adults in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The findings came ahead of the European Commission’s May 6 REPowerEU strategy announcement, detailing how the EU will phase out Russian oil and gas imports.
Key findings:
Overwhelming support for renewables: Across all six markets, more than three-quarters (77%) of respondents said their country should prioritize investment in domestic renewable energy over imported fossil fuels. Nearly half (48%) strongly agreed. Even in Germany—where neutrality is most common—70% agreed with prioritizing renewables.
A profound distrust of foreign energy figures: Over four in five respondents (83%) said they do not trust Vladimir Putin, and only 19% said they trust Donald Trump to reliably supply their energy. On average, more than half of respondents (57%) said they distrust the United States, while nearly 4 in 5 (78%) said they distrust Russia.
Poland leads in skepticism: In Poland, distrust of Russia is nearly universal (91%), with distrust of Putin climbing even higher (94%).
U.S. preferred over Russia for energy: When asked to choose between the U.S and Russia as an energy supplier, more respondents chose 'other' or 'don't know' than either of the two options – with a combined total of 49% selecting neither. The U.S. was still preferred over Russia, however, by 39% of respondents. Only 12% of respondents chose Russia. The margin is especially dramatic in Poland (61% to 6%).
“The data sends a resounding message,” said Sara Ayech, Managing Director of the Secure Energy Project. “Europeans want clean, secure, and affordable energy they can trust—and they want it built at home.”
This message comes at a critical juncture. While the EU has pledged to cut all Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027, recent delays in the European Commission’s roadmap - initially expected in March and now scheduled for May - have raised concerns.
Many expect the Commission may lean more heavily on U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to replace Russian supply. Yet, the polling shows that while the U.S. is seen as a more acceptable partner than Russia, respondents remain wary of dependence on any foreign fossil fuels.“
We’ve seen the consequences of relying on volatile fossil fuel markets,” said Sara Ayech. “This is Europe’s moment to lead, to build a system that’s democratic, resilient, and renewable.”
The survey highlights how energy has become a defining geopolitical issue, as well as an opportunity. Investing in renewable energy is no longer just about environmental stewardship. It’s about sovereignty, stability, and economic security. Respondents were clear: wind and solar aren’t just clean - they’re trustworthy.
About Opinium: Founded in 2007, Opinium is a globally respected research agency known for its accurate political forecasting and in-depth social research. It is the official polling partner of Guardian US and has been recognized for its precision in predicting the 2016 EU referendum and UK general elections.
About the Secure Energy Project: The Secure Energy Project works to accelerate the renewable energy transition by identifying and overcoming key obstacles. Through strategic communications, grassroots activation, and policy engagement, it aims to shift both power and perception toward a clean energy future.
