On the eve of the crucial G7 and NATO summits in Europe, an unprecedented decline in trust towards the United States has been recorded. According to a fresh study by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), conducted across 15 countries, American support is rapidly losing ground in the eyes of allies.
Trust Falls to Historic Lows
The poll results are disheartening for the White House: only 11% of Europeans today consider the US a reliable ally. This is a historic low, signaling a deep crisis of confidence in Washington as the primary security guarantor.
The downward trend in support is dramatic. Just six months ago, this figure stood at 16%, and in November 2024, it hovered at 22%. Today, the numbers are critical, with the majority of respondents expressing serious doubts that the US military would come to their aid in the event of a real threat.
An overwhelming number of respondents across all regions are convinced: in the event of an attack on their countries, Washington might stay on the sidelines. This shift in European consciousness is forcing the continent to rethink its strategic priorities.
Europe Takes Responsibility
The realization of vulnerability has led to increased willingness to fund their own security. Support for increasing defense spending has risen by 4%. However, opinions vary among nations: Italy became the only country where the majority opposes an increase in defense budgets.
Rather than relying on the American shield, Europeans are seeking new protection mechanisms. 47% of respondents support the idea of EU collective borrowing to fund the army. This indicates a desire to create an autonomous defense structure, independent of political fluctuations in Washington.
Rejection of American Weapons
A significant trend is the rejection of American military hardware. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden are calling to "buy European," aiming to reduce dependence on US supplies. The only exception is Poland, where the desire to purchase specifically American weaponry still prevails.
Energy and Migration: New Challenges
The energy issue remains acute. Despite high prices, 44% of Europeans are categorically against resuming oil and gas imports from Russia. However, consensus on other issues is becoming fragile: debates are heating up regarding the deployment of peacekeepers after the war and the further eastward expansion of the EU.
The decline in US prestige is felt on a global scale as well. Only 15% of adults surveyed worldwide named America their top choice for relocation. This is 9 points lower than the period between 2007 and 2009, when the figure stood at 24%.
Paradoxically, Americans themselves are beginning to leave the US. The Canadian government has recently approved 1,955 citizenship applications from individuals born in the US, which may indicate internal dissatisfaction with the situation in the country.