The eighth European Investment Bank (EIB) Climate Survey found that 74% of Bulgarians say higher gas, electricity and fuel prices over the past 12 months have badly hit their buying power. The EU average is 60%.
The poll was run by Ipsos bva between 3 and 25 August 2026. It covered 23,000 people aged 16 and over in the 27 EU countries, including 1,000 in Bulgaria. The data were weighted by the population of each country to make them representative.
Half of Bulgarians have cut spending on food or health to pay higher bills. Across the EU the figure is 38%.
Some 23% of Bulgarians say they were hit very hard (20% in the EU), which puts Bulgaria among the countries with the highest share in the bloc. Another 26% spent less on heating at home. A further 20% fell into debt, sought financial help or paid their energy bills late, compared with 16% on average in the EU.
56% of Bulgarians have changed how they use their car because of costlier fuel. Of these, 26% go less often to the market, the doctor or government offices, and 24% have given up weekend trips, holidays and visits to family and friends. 16% drive slowly to save fuel, and 19% have swapped the car for car-sharing, city transport or a bike.
69% of Bulgarians say the country urgently needs an energy transition. Most often they expect steadier or lower energy prices from it (77%), less reliance on oil and gas imports (74%) and slower climate change (66%). If the transition is delayed, 75% expect energy and living costs to stay higher for good, and 73% expect even more reliance on imports.
The order of expected benefits has changed since 2022. Then, the climate was seen as the biggest gain in Bulgaria and 18 other countries, lower oil and gas imports in 8, and prices in none. In 2026 prices come first in Bulgaria and 7 other countries, lower imports in 16, and the climate in only 3.
87% of Bulgarians say low-carbon energy should be a priority, the same as the EU average. 45% name solar power and 23% wind. 42% back nuclear power, against 28% in the EU, which puts Bulgaria among the countries with the highest share.
80% of Bulgarians support closer EU cooperation on energy independence (68% in the EU), while 14% would mainly rely on their own efforts (23% in the EU). 65% want countries to fund the transition together, against 59% in the EU, while 24% think each country should pay for itself (31% in the EU). If the EU becomes energy independent, 63% of Bulgarians say they would feel prouder to be European, against 62% on average in the bloc.
46% of those polled prefer a European clean-tech industry of its own, even if it takes longer, while 41% favour faster roll-out with imported equipment. European production is the preferred choice in all 27 countries.
"Bulgarian households were hit hardest by high fuel prices, and their message is clear: the energy transition must bring more affordable energy and greater independence," said EIB vice-president Marek Mora.
He said funding should keep flowing through local banks and other partners, so Bulgaria can make its own clean energy and strengthen its power grids. The EIB already gives advice and technical help on climate projects.
In 2025 the bank's group lent €128m for sustainable energy and natural resources in Bulgaria. Part of this is a €40m loan to Eldrive Holding for electric car charging stations in the region, including 1,530 new ones in Bulgaria.