Only one in 10 Europeans now see US as an ally, survey suggests
Exclusive: poll across 15 countries finds ‘deep mistrust’, with majority doubting US would come to their aid in an attack
TL;DR
- European confidence in the US security guarantee has reached a historic low, with only 11% across 15 countries viewing the US as an ally.
- Majorities in all surveyed countries doubt the US would come to their aid if attacked.
- Europeans are increasingly ready to protect themselves by bolstering European defense and reducing dependence on Washington.
- US President's actions and skepticism about NATO have prompted a growing European pragmatism.
- There is clear support for reducing dependence on Washington, higher defense spending, and confidence in neighboring countries providing aid.
- Public demand for greater self-reliance and hedging against US defense guarantees is creating an opportunity for European leaders.
- The prevailing view is that the US is a 'necessary partner,' though some see it as a rival or adversary.
- Europeans are more likely to support higher national defense spending, with strong backing for collective EU borrowing for defense.
- Most respondents want their country to reduce strategic dependence on US military hardware.
- There is less support for cutting domestic public spending for defense budgets.
- Little backing exists for replacing NATO with an EU-only defense body.
- A majority believes US-European relations will likely improve once Trump leaves office.
- Most Europeans consider resuming oil and gas imports from Russia a 'bad' idea.
- European opinion is divided on Ukraine's ambition to join the EU.