A new survey reveals EU citizens are growing more and more US-sceptic, and think it’s time for the bloc to pursue its own foreign policy and reduce ties with Washington.
A growing number of EU citizens are distancing themselves from the US, according to a survey by the Bertelsmann Stiftung Foundation on over 26,000 people in the 27-member states.
Around 49% believe Washington is no longer their most important ally, instead preferring other countries, such as the UK (13%) or China (10%).
The most US-sceptical country was Belgium, with only 43% of people considering the US their prominent military partner, while Poland had the highest pro-US rate (65%).
Italy overwhelmingly reported the highest pro-China rate (13%).
Demographic and political profile of US-sceptics
The survey has outlined the characteristics of US-skeptical Europeans, revealing that they are mainly aged between 18 and 35, with lower levels of education, left-leaning political views, and often live in rural areas.
In contrast, those who are more supportive of the United States tend to be over 55, with higher education, centre-right political views, and are more likely to reside in urban areas.
Europeans want less cooperation with US
With the exception of Poland, a majority (63%) of Europeans believe the EU should reduce its cooperation with the US and pursue an independent path.
This opinion is especially strong in foreign policy, with 73% of respondents wanting the EU to take a more active role.
“This significant shift in public opinion reaffirms that European leaders need to do more for European security”, says Isabell Hoffmann, Europe expert at Bertelsmann Stiftung.
However, NATO overwhelmingly remains the cornerstone of international security – as 64% see it as protection against primary threats.
Compared to older age groups, young people were “less likely to believe that NATO protects peace in Europe”, and more likely to believe international relations thrive on competition rather than cooperation.
What is greatest threat to security according to Europeans?
Europeans have very different perceptions as to what is a primary threat to them, depending on the country.
Overall, a quarter of them (25%) think that failing to secure borders is currently the biggest threat to peace in Europe, followed by terrorism (21%), cyberattacks (19%), being attacked by a foreign aggressor (18%) and organised crime (17%).
France and Poland are the nations that fear uncontrolled borders more than any other European country, while Poland is overwhelmingly the country most concerned about foreign aggression.
Video editor • Mert Can Yilmaz
