A new survey conducted across Europe reveals a significant hardening of attitudes toward the United States. In the poll conducted in 15 countries, only 11% of participants viewed the US as an ally.
This figure is lower than the 16% measured six months ago and the 22% recorded 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 the countries included.
Shift Toward European Defense Strengthening
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 EU joint 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%; in Denmark, this rate reached 75%.
The study noted that former President Trump's threats to withdraw American 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 noted 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 predicted better relations in the future.
The survey found limited support for replacing NATO with a defense structure based solely on Europe. Only 29% supported this option.
Public opinion is also divided on Ukraine's EU membership. In Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, and Hungary, participants tended to oppose rather than support membership.
The May survey was conducted in Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
