Survey Indicates Decline in European Trust in the United States

<p>A recent survey conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations indicates that trust in the United States among Europeans has significantly decreased. The poll, which included responses from 15 countries, revealed that only 11% of respondents view the U.S. as an ally, a decline from 16% six months prior and 22% in November 2024.</p><p>The survey findings suggest that many Europeans no longer believe the U.S. would provide assistance in the event of an attack. The researchers attribute this decline in trust to President Donald Trump's foreign policy decisions, including military actions in the Middle East and skepticism towards NATO.</p><p>Jana Kobzová, a senior policy fellow at the think tank and co-author of the report, noted that there is growing support among Europeans for increased national defense spending and a desire for self-reliance in security matters. The survey, conducted in May, showed that respondents were on average 4% more likely to support higher defense spending compared to the previous year.</p><p>Support for collective European Union borrowing to fund defense initiatives was reported at 47%, with significant backing in countries such as Portugal and Denmark. Additionally, a majority of respondents expressed a desire to reduce dependence on U.S. military hardware.</p><p>Despite the decline in trust, there is limited support for abandoning NATO, with only 29% favoring the establishment of an EU-only defense body. However, many Europeans believe that relations between the U.S. and Europe could improve after Trump's presidency.</p><p>The survey also highlighted divisions on issues such as Ukraine's EU membership and the resumption of oil and gas imports from Russia, with a significant portion of respondents opposing the latter.</p><p>The White House has been contacted for comment.</p>