A major new poll published by the European Council on Foreign Relations on June 10 reveals a significant decline in European trust toward the United States, with only 11 percent of respondents across 15 European countries describing the U.S. as an ally.
The survey, conducted in May 2026 among 19,481 respondents in Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, documents what researchers describe as a “collapse in European faith” in Washington.
Declining Ally Perception
The percentage of Europeans viewing the U.S. as an ally sharing common interests and values has dropped sharply over the past year and a half. In November 2024, 22 percent of respondents held this view. Six months ago, that figure stood at 16 percent. The current level of 11 percent represents a historic low.
Half of those polled described the U.S. as a “necessary partner” rather than an ally. Meanwhile, 13 percent categorized the U.S. as a rival, and 12 percent labeled it an adversary. The percentage viewing America as a rival or adversary grew particularly in Denmark, France, Spain, and Switzerland.
In every country surveyed, majorities of respondents expressed doubt that the United States would come to their nation’s defense if attacked. In Spain, only 12 percent of respondents expressed confidence in American military support, while Austria recorded 15 percent.
Shifting Defense Attitudes
The poll indicates changing attitudes toward European defense policy. Nearly half of respondents—47 percent—supported the idea of collective European Union borrowing to finance increased military spending. Opposition to such borrowing stood at 35 percent.
Support for increased national military spending has risen modestly, though opposition remains strong in several countries including Italy, Austria, Germany, Spain, and Denmark.
Respondents increasingly supported developing defense capabilities independent of American military hardware. In most countries surveyed, majorities stated their governments should purchase more weapons from European manufacturers.
Despite current tensions, most respondents in 14 of the 15 countries believed transatlantic relations would improve after the current U.S. administration leaves office.
Factors Influencing Opinion
The report’s authors cited several factors likely influencing respondents’ views, including ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East, discussions regarding territorial matters in the North Atlantic, uncertainty about the future of NATO, and planning for the potential reduction of American military presence in Europe.
“Across the continent, there’s clear support for reducing dependence on Washington,” said Jana Kobzová, a co-author of the policy brief and ECFR senior policy fellow. “Europeans are increasingly open to higher defense spending and show a striking degree of confidence that neighboring countries would come to their aid in a crisis.”