A recent survey by the Institute Insa, reported by “Bild”‘s Saturday edition, found that a majority of Germans want the country’s climate‑neutrality target postponed by five years. Of the 1,001 eligible voters polled between 27 February and 2 March 2026, 53 % said Germany should aim for 2050 instead of the current 2045 goal-matching the European Union’s deadline for climate neutrality.
Still, 32 % of respondents supported keeping the 2045 target, while 15 % were indifferent or declined to answer. The opinion divides along political lines. Among CDU/CSU voters 66 % favour the delay and just 24 % oppose it. The AfD’s electorate shows a similar trend, with 60 % in favour and 26 % against. SPD supporters lean towards postponement as well: 54 % for a 2050 target versus 30 % against. In contrast, Green voters are largely opposed to the shift-only 35 % back a 2050 deadline, while 65 % want to maintain the 2045 goal. Supporters of the Left show the strongest resistance: 51 % against and only 38 % in favour of a delay.
The survey’s core question was: “Germany aims to be climate neutral by 2045, but the EU’s target is 2050. Should Germany also aim for 2050 rather than 2045?”
