European confidence in US as ally drops to historic low, survey finds
A survey of 15 European countries found that only 11% of respondents now view the US as an ally, down from 16% six months ago, with majorities in every country doubting the US would defend them if attacked. The European Council on Foreign Relations study, conducted in May, attributes the decline to concerns about US military commitments, Trump administration policies, and threats to NATO. The findings suggest Europeans are increasingly willing to boost their own defense spending and reduce dependence on American military support.
A survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations covering 15 European nations reveals a sharp decline in European trust in the United States as a security partner. Only 11% of respondents across all countries surveyed view the US as an ally, down from 16% six months prior and 22% in November 2024. Majorities in every country polled lack confidence that the US would defend them in a military attack. The survey attributes this shift to concerns about US Middle East policy, threats regarding Greenland, potential troop withdrawals from European bases, and skepticism about NATO's future. In response, Europeans show growing support for increased national defense spending and reduced dependence on American military hardware, with strong majorities in countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden favoring European alternatives. The survey also found that 60% or more in several countries believe US-European relations will improve once Donald Trump leaves office.
What different sources said
- The Guardian USLeft
Only one in 10 Europeans now see US as an ally, survey suggests
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