A majority of Germans are calling for a five‑year postponement of the country’s climate‑neutrality goal. According to a poll by the Insa institute reported by “Bild”‘s Saturday edition, 53 percent of respondents support moving the target from 2045 to 2050. This aligns with the European Union’s own 2050 deadline. Currently, Germany aims to reach climate neutrality by 2045. The same survey found that 32 percent of the population favours keeping the 2045 target, while 15 percent are indifferent or chose not to answer.
Party‑specific support for the delay is particularly strong among voters of the ruling coalition’s partners. Sixty‑six percent of CDU/CSU voters want the shift, compared with 24 percent who oppose it. Among AfD supporters, 60 percent back the postponement and 26 percent oppose it. SPD voters are split, with 54 percent in favour and 30 percent against. In contrast, only 35 percent of Green voters favour a delay, whereas 65 percent reject it and want to retain the 2045 target. Among left‑wing voters, 38 percent support a shift and 51 percent oppose it.
The Insa poll was conducted from 27 February to 2 March 2026 and included 1,001 eligible voters. The key question asked: “Germany wants to be climate neutral in 2045, while the EU target is 2050. Should Germany also postpone its climate‑neutrality goal to 2050?”