Europeans have their eyes on autonomy - Significant decline in support for the US
Europe and the United States appear to be drifting apart after decades of close cooperation, with nearly three in four European Union citizens saying the union should “go its own way.” The continent is reassessing its place on the international stage, with a clear majority of Europeans no longer viewing the United States as a reliable partner. The trend highlights a new phase of strategic autonomy for the EU.
A year and a half into Trump's presidency, the share of those who see the United States as Europe's most valuable ally has fallen by 20 percentage points. At the same time, China is failing to solidify its position as an alternative partner, prompting Europeans to recalibrate their alliances within the West.
Europe is moving towards a strategic recovery, according to a new study by the Bertelsmann Stiftung. The survey, conducted from September 2024 to March 2026, shows that 73% of EU citizens believe that the Union should follow an independent course, compared to 63% in 2024. This shift is intergenerational, with a particular increase among older people.
The Trump presidency has left deep scars on transatlantic relations. 58% of Europeans say they no longer consider Washington a reliable partner, while only 31% still see the US as Europe's most important ally. Polarization in American politics and tensions in the international environment are reinforcing the desire for greater European self-sufficiency.
Seeking independence does not mean rapprochement with China, which is still viewed with skepticism. Europeans support reducing dependencies, even at economic cost. Instead, they are adjusting their partnerships within the existing system of alliances, with the United Kingdom and Canada strengthening their position as strategic partners.
Support for NATO remains high, with 63% considering it a cornerstone of European security. This shows that Europe is not abandoning the transatlantic framework, but is seeking to reshape the terms of its participation in it.
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