Only 11% of Europeans in 15 countries consider the United States an ally, which is a historic low. This figure has decreased from 16% six months ago and from 22% in November 2024.
According to a survey published on Wednesday by the European Council on Foreign Relations, these findings were released on the eve of the G7 and NATO summits. They emphasize the decline in Europe’s trust in Washington as a reliable partner in security matters.
Most of the countries surveyed expressed doubts that the US would come to their defense in the event of an attack. At the same time, Europeans are four percentage points more likely than last year to support increasing national defense spending. Italy is the only country where a clear majority remains opposed to increasing defense spending.
Support for EU Collective Defense and Military Equipment
47% of respondents in the region support the idea of EU collective borrowing to finance defense initiatives. The strongest support for this idea was recorded in Portugal (59%), Denmark (56%), and Netherlands (55%).
Most of those surveyed are in favor of reducing dependence on US military equipment in favor of European alternatives. The highest support for “buying European” in this context was expressed by Denmark, Netherlands, and Sweden. Poland was the only exception, where the majority prefers to increase the purchase of American weapons. Germany, Italy, and Hungary showed significant divisions on this issue.
Resistance to reducing domestic government spending in order to increase defense budgets remains strong in Italy (63%), Austria (59%), and Germany (56%).
Source: The Straits Times