Trust of Europeans in US Security Guarantees Falls to Record Low 0 20

Europeans have lost faith that the US will help them in difficult times, according to a survey conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).

Trust in American security guarantees is at a historically low level.

Only 11 percent of Europeans consider the US an ally. Six months ago, this figure was 16 percent. In 2024, it was 22 percent.

Moreover, Europeans want the EU to be more independent regarding its own defense and are increasingly willing to raise defense spending. Almost half also support the idea of common debt to finance defense.

At the same time, the survey shows that Europeans do not want a complete break with NATO.

In all countries participating in the ECFR survey, there is a prevailing belief that relations with the US will improve after President Donald Trump leaves office. Therefore, the idea of completely replacing NATO with a new EU defense structure does not find support.

Instead, Europeans trust each other. In almost all surveyed countries, a majority believes that at least some European states will come to aid in a critical situation. This belief is strongest in Denmark (88%), the Netherlands (82%), and Sweden (81%).

The survey involved residents of 15 European countries.

ECFR researchers note that European leaders now have the opportunity to strengthen Europe’s own defense, but they must also consider the economic concerns of citizens.