EU Citizens' Perception of Energy Affordability and Social and Political Trust
(December 12, 2025)
This study investigates the relationships between social and political trust and views on energy affordability, which are crucial for promoting sustainable energy practices. The findings indicate that social and especially political trust are negatively correlated with perceptions of energy affordability. The study also finds that the probability of being highly concerned about energy affordability is declining in the level of trust, especially in countries, as those in Southern European, that prioritize energy affordability. These findings confirm the critical role of trust in effective energy policies, fostering public support for transitions to sustainable energy systems. The study recommends that policymakers enhance transparency, accountability, and public engagement to build trust, thereby improving perceptions of energy affordability and supporting sustainable energy transitions [read full paper here].
Lea Nicita is a researcher in the Department of Economics and Management at the University of Catania, Italy. She is also affiliated with the Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC), where her work focuses on climate change impacts, adaptation, and the valuation of ecosystem services. She currently holds a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Global Research Fellowship, with research hosted at the Yale School of the Environment and CMCC. Her projects examine climate risks in agriculture, the resilience of agroecosystems in Mediterranean climates, and the role of biodiversity in strengthening adaptation strategies.