Brussels, Oct. 8, 2026 (Lusa) - Portugal is the European Union country where the public is least familiar with the EU's eco-label, with more than half of Portuguese people unable to recognise it, according to a Eurobarometer survey published on Thursday.
According to the report, published on World Ecolabel Day, 57% of respondents in Portugal admit that they are unfamiliar with the flower-shaped label created by the European Union (EU) in 1993 – the highest proportion across the bloc, exceeding the European average (42%).
In Portugal, only 32% of respondents say they recognise the label, a figure that contrasts with that recorded in Luxembourg, where 71% of those questioned say they are familiar with the symbol – the highest rate in the entire EU.
When asked how often they usually buy products bearing the EU Ecolabel, only 11% of respondents in Portugal said they do so regularly, 31% said occasionally and 17% said never – figures that are in line with the European average.
In a statement, the European Commission notes that, on average across the EU, the Eurobarometer «shows an increase in trust and recognition of the EU Ecolabel» and emphasises that European consumers «are increasingly seeking out sustainable products».
The Commission emphasises that «almost two in three Europeans (66%) say they frequently or occasionally buy products with any kind of eco-label, whilst 46% say they frequently or occasionally buy products» bearing the EU label.
Quoted in the press release, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Jessika Roswall, notes that the EU Ecolabel «aims to bring about the transition to a clean economy by providing consumers with more reliable sustainable choices, whilst helping European businesses to turn their environmental ambition into action».
«The strong momentum surrounding the label demonstrates the value of this EU certification scheme, based on trust, which promotes sustainability, boosts competitiveness and supports innovation across Europe,» she emphasises.
The EU Ecolabel was created to assure European consumers that the product in question meets strict environmental criteria; it is verified by third parties and recognised in all EU countries.
Currently, more than 100,000 products sold on the European market bear the EU Ecolabel.
To obtain it, companies must apply and pay an initial and annual fee.
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