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- October 13, 202617°
- BIST10012,151-0.94%
- USD49.220.00%
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- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,354-0.49%
- October 13, 202617°
Only 11% of Europeans See the US as an Ally
A new survey conducted in 15 countries reveals that only 11% of Europeans consider the US an ally. The results indicate growing doubts about Washington's security commitments during the Trump era and a rising desire to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities.
A new survey across Europe has revealed a significant hardening of attitudes toward the US. In the poll conducted in 15 countries, only 11% of participants viewed the US as an ally.
This figure is lower than the 16% recorded six months ago and the 22% noted in November 2024. The research points to a deepening loss of trust in Washington among the European public.
The European Council on Foreign Relations, which conducted the survey, reported that skepticism toward the US is increasing in European societies, a trend that stands out ahead of the upcoming G7 and NATO summits.
The majority of respondents do not believe the US would defend them in the event of an attack. According to the survey, this distrust has become the majority view in all countries included in the poll.
Growing Shift Toward European Defense
The report also showed clearer support for reducing dependence on Washington in Europe. Participants are more inclined to strengthen their own defense capabilities rather than rely on the US.
On average, respondents supported increased defense spending 4% more strongly than a year ago. Additionally, 47% of participants favored joint EU borrowing to finance defense expenditures, while 35% opposed it.
The idea of reducing reliance on US military equipment also received broad support. In many countries, support for a "Buy European" approach exceeded 60%, reaching 75% in Denmark.
The study noted that Trump’s threats to withdraw US troops from Europe, his criticisms of NATO, comments about Greenland, and decisions on Middle East policy contributed to the erosion of trust.
Jana Kobzova from the European Council on Foreign Relations stated there is a clear trend across the continent toward reducing dependence on Washington. She also highlighted that European populations have significant confidence that neighboring countries would come to their aid in times of crisis.
Nevertheless, most respondents believe transatlantic relations can recover in the post-Trump era. In countries like Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden, over 60% of respondents anticipated improved relations in the future.
The survey found limited support for replacing NATO with a defense structure based solely on Europe, with only 29% backing this option.
Public opinion is also divided on Ukraine’s EU membership. In Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, and Hungary, participants tended to oppose membership more than support it.
The research was conducted in May across Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
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