Environmental protection remains the number one issue for people across the European Union, according to the latest report from the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee (PETI).

In 2023, 21.5% of all petitions submitted to the European Parliament were related to the environment — ranging from pollution and deforestation to wildlife protection and the social effects of climate change. This marks the second year in a row that environmental concerns have topped the list, highlighting just how important the issue remains for citizens across the bloc.

The findings were published as part of PETI’s annual report, adopted this week with 16 votes in favour, 13 against, and 4 abstentions.

The Committee pointed to key areas raised by citizens, including air and groundwater contamination, the protection of forests and wildlife, and calls for stronger measures against the impact of climate change on vulnerable groups.

One case that stood out was a fact-finding mission to Romania, where MEPs looked into the management of brown bear populations, stressing the need for member states to be able to act to protect public safety.

The report also followed up on several petitions demanding stronger action on animal welfare. In response, the PETI Committee called for the appointment of a dedicated European Commissioner to oversee animal welfare policy.

While environmental issues took the top spot, concerns around the EU’s internal market saw the biggest year-on-year increase — making up 13.4% of total petitions.

Many of these focused on Italy’s beach concession rules, with citizens raising alarm over possible violations of EU laws on the liberalisation of services. Worries over the future of the Schengen zone also came through strongly, especially in light of some member states reintroducing internal border checks.

In July 2023, the PETI Committee held a public hearing to examine the impact of these changes, including their effect on freedom of movement and the costs of a fragmented Schengen area. The Committee also passed a motion urging the Council to approve Romania and Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen — which finally came into effect in January 2025.

The Committee also reviewed a broad range of fundamental rights issues — including LGBTI+ rights, access to adequate housing, and the EU’s fight against homelessness.

It continued its ongoing work on the rights of persons with disabilities, taking part in international conferences, organising its annual workshop on disability rights, and pushing for a unified approach to protecting the rights of autistic people.

In the report, MEPs urged member states to fully transpose the European Disability Act without further delay, warning that continued gaps in implementation are holding back real equality.

The number of petitions submitted to the European Parliament jumped to 1,452 in 2023 — a 16.2% increase compared to 2022.

Over 80% were submitted through the Parliament’s upgraded Petitions Web Portal, which has recently been revamped to improve accessibility, user experience, and online security.

As the EU faces growing pressure on environmental, social, and economic fronts, the message from citizens is clear: they want action — and they’re using their right to petition to demand it.

What do you make of this report?