38% of Europeans Cannot Afford Air Conditioning

Nearly four in ten Europeans cannot afford to buy or run air conditioning despite record-breaking heatwaves across the continent, according to a report by the European Environment Agency.

The study found that 38% of EU citizens are unable to afford air conditioning, while 68% have no cooling system at home. The highest rates were recorded in Greece (46%), Portugal (45%), and France (42%).

Europe has experienced unusually high temperatures in 2026, with heat reaching 37°C in France, 34.8°C in London, and 30.5°C in Ireland.

The report also found that many homes, particularly in southern Europe, lack basic heat-protection measures such as shutters and external shading.

Heat is now considered the most concerning climate threat by 85% of Europeans, while roughly half of respondents reported experiencing excessive temperatures in their homes and workplaces.

The findings highlight growing concerns about Europe’s ability to adapt to increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves driven by climate change.