Details
- The European Council on Foreign Relations said European trust in the United States has fallen to a historic low since Donald Trump returned to the White House.
- Only 11% of respondents across 15 European countries described the US as an ally.
- The figure has dropped from 22% after Trump won the 2024 election to 16% six months ago and 11% in the latest survey.
- A majority of respondents said they did not expect the US to come to Europe’s defence if the continent was ever attacked.
- ECFR said Europeans are moving toward greater self-reliance, but do not expect transatlantic relations to collapse completely.
- The survey was conducted in May 2026 and released ahead of upcoming G7 and NATO summits.
- The poll follows months of tension over Trump’s tariffs, NATO threats, claims over Greenland and plans to withdraw US troops from Germany.
- In most countries surveyed, respondents said they expected transatlantic relations to improve once Trump leaves office.
- Europeans were slightly more likely than last year to support higher defence spending.
- Nearly half of respondents, 47%, said they would support collective EU borrowing to finance defence projects.
- Respondents also supported reducing Europe’s reliance on US weaponry in favour of European military hardware.
- On Ukraine, most respondents still support Kyiv but remain cautious about EU membership and sending troops, while most oppose renewed Russian fossil-fuel imports.
What Else
The findings are likely to shape debate at upcoming G7 and NATO summits, where European security, defence spending and future ties with Washington will remain central issues. The key question is whether European leaders can turn public support for self-reliance into defence funding, joint borrowing and reduced dependence on US weapons.
