A new survey published by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) finds a sharp drop in European views of the United States as an ally. Across 15 countries, only about 11% of respondents say the US is an ally, described as a historic low. The results also indicate that more Europeans increasingly view the US as a rival or adversary, with significant doubt about whether Washington would come to Europe’s defence if the continent were attacked. Several outlets note that European confidence in any US security commitment has fallen to levels seen as unprecedented in recent polling.
The survey is released ahead of major international meetings, including upcoming G7 and NATO-related summits. Reporting links the shift in perceptions to growing skepticism about US security commitments following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, alongside broader support in some countries for Europe strengthening its own defence capabilities. One outlet also reports that the decline is down from higher figures recorded earlier, including 16% about half a year ago and 22% in November 2024, though the overall direction is consistent across sources.
