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Europeans lose faith in U.S. as ally, survey finds

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Only one in ten Europeans now see the US as an ally, survey finds

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Only one in ten Europeans now see the United States as an ally, according to a landmark survey released on Wednesday by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), marking a historic low in transatlantic trust. The poll, conducted in May across 15 European countries, found that majorities in every surveyed nation doubt Washington would come to their defence in the event of an attack, underscoring a profound shift in European perceptions of American reliability.

The ECFR survey reveals that just 11% of respondents across Europe view the US as a trustworthy ally, a sharp decline from previous years and the lowest level recorded since the think tank began tracking attitudes in 2007. In Germany, only 8% of participants expressed confidence in the US as an ally, while in France, the figure stood at 12%. Even in traditionally pro-American countries like Poland, where historical ties with Washington run deep, support has plummeted to 15%. The survey also found that in every country polled, a majority—ranging from 52% in Sweden to 83% in Hungary—believe the US would not defend them if attacked.

The findings come at a critical juncture, just weeks before the G7 summit in Canada and the NATO summit in Washington, where European leaders are expected to address growing concerns over security guarantees. Analysts suggest the erosion of trust is closely tied to the policies of the current US administration, with 64% of Hungarians and 58% of Italians telling pollsters that President Donald Trump has actively harmed relations between Europe and the US . A quarter of Hungarians even expect the damage to persist beyond Trump’s term in office.

In response to these doubts, the survey indicates that Europeans are increasingly prioritising their own defence capabilities. A majority of respondents across the continent now support higher military spending and the development of EU-made weapons systems. In Denmark, 71% favour increased defence investment, while in Spain, 63% believe Europe should reduce its dependence on US security guarantees. The shift reflects broader geopolitical anxieties, including concerns over China’s growing influence in European ports and the strategic value of Turkey’s democracy amid domestic erosion .

The ECFR’s findings also highlight a paradox: while trust in the US has collapsed, Europe’s perception of Ukraine as a strategic partner has strengthened. In several countries, including Poland and the Baltic states, a majority now view Ukraine as either an ally or a necessary partner, underscoring a reorientation of European security priorities . As European leaders prepare for high-stakes summits, the survey serves as a stark reminder of the transatlantic rift—and the urgent need for both sides to rebuild a frayed alliance.

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Survey finds most Europeans do not expect the United States to defend them and prefer European weapons Only one in 10 Europeans considers the United States an ally, while majorities across 15 European countries do not believe Washington would come to their defense if their country were attacked, according to a new survey. The survey was conducted in May for the European Council on Foreign Relations, a European think tank. A total […]

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