Poll: Only 11% of Europeans consider the United States an ally, a historic low

Perceptions of the United States in Europe have reached a historic low, according to a survey published Wednesday by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). The survey, conducted in 15 European countries, found that only 11% of respondents now consider Washington an ally, compared to 16% six months ago and 22% in November 2024.

This marked decline comes on the eve of several major international summits, notably those of the G7 and NATO, and highlights a gradual erosion of European trust in the United States as a reliable security partner. Across all the countries surveyed, a majority of respondents expressed doubts about the American willingness to intervene in the event of an attack against a European state.

According to the study's findings, this trend reflects a broader shift in strategic perceptions in Europe. The citizens surveyed are increasingly in favor of greater autonomy in defense matters, particularly through increased national military spending and reduced dependence on American equipment.

The survey also reveals significant support for joint initiatives within the European Union, such as the idea of ​​collective borrowing to finance defense. Nearly half of those surveyed in the region support this, with particularly high levels of support in several northern and southern European countries.

Meanwhile, a majority of respondents advocate for a greater preference for European military equipment over American. Only Poland stands out as a notable exception, where purchases of American weapons remain preferred, while other countries display more divided positions.

Finally, the survey highlights that despite these developments, a large part of Europeans continue to support Ukraine as a strategic partner, while remaining divided on sensitive issues such as the deployment of peacekeeping troops or the expansion of the European Union to the East.