Just 1 in 10 Europeans now view the U.S. as an ally, according to new poll: “Collapse in faith”
European Trust in U.S. as Ally Plummets to 1 in 10
Just 1 in 10 Europeans now view - European public sentiment toward the United States as a reliable ally has reached a critical low, with just 1 in 10 Europeans expressing confidence in America’s partnership, according to a new poll by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). The survey, released in May 2026, highlights a steep decline from previous months, where 16% of respondents viewed the U.S. as an ally, and a further drop from 22% in November 2024. This "collapse in faith" signals a deepening rift in transatlantic relations, as European nations increasingly question America’s commitment to shared goals and global cooperation.
The poll, which surveyed 19,481 citizens across 15 European countries including Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, revealed a stark shift in attitudes. While 50% of respondents still see the U.S. as a "necessary partner," 25% now categorize it as a rival or adversary. Notably, the proportion of Europeans perceiving the U.S. as a threat has grown in Denmark, France, Spain, and Switzerland, reflecting a broader disillusionment with U.S. foreign policy. The survey underscores a growing preference for European self-reliance, as many question whether the U.S. will prioritize their interests over its own.
Trump's Policies Influence European Distrust
The erosion of trust can be traced to the tenure of former President Donald Trump, whose actions during his presidency have left a lasting impact on European perceptions. His public insistence on withdrawing from NATO, coupled with plans to annex Greenland, and his unilaterally launching military strikes against Iran without consultation, have fueled concerns about America’s reliability. These moves were seen as undermining the collective security framework that has long been a cornerstone of European-U.S. cooperation. Additionally, Trump’s strategy to reduce troop presence in Europe—particularly in countries like Germany and the UK—has raised doubts about the U.S. ability to uphold its defensive promises.
"The Trump administration’s approach created a sense of unpredictability that European leaders and citizens began to associate with American leadership," remarked a European diplomat in a recent analysis. "This has led to a reevaluation of what it means to be an ally in the 21st century."
The ECFR report also highlights how European public opinion has shifted toward prioritizing domestic interests. With the U.S. seen as less dependable, many Europeans now advocate for strengthening their own defense capabilities, including increased investment in NATO and purchases of European-made weapons. This trend is particularly evident in countries that feel sidelined in major decisions, such as the 2024 U.S. trade agreements or the 2023 sanctions on Russian energy exports. The survey findings suggest a growing sentiment that Europe must rely less on Washington and more on its own alliances and initiatives.
Economic and Security Concerns Drive the Shift
Beyond Trump’s policies, broader economic and security concerns have further strained European trust in the U.S. alliance. The 2024 U.S. tax policies, which favored domestic industries over European competitors, were criticized as protectionist and unfair. Additionally, the U.S. energy sector’s expansion, including increased shale gas exports, has been viewed by some as a threat to European energy independence. These factors, combined with the perception that the U.S. prioritizes its own strategic interests over those of its allies, have contributed to the sentiment of growing uncertainty.
Security issues have also played a pivotal role in shaping this shift. European nations increasingly worry that the U.S. may not fully support their interests in conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war or the ongoing tensions with China. The ECFR poll found that 60% of respondents believe the U.S. should take a more active role in global crises, but only 40% are confident in its current level of engagement. This discrepancy highlights a core challenge: while Europeans expect the U.S. to lead, they are skeptical about its ability to deliver consistent support, especially in times of economic or political strain.
Furthermore, the survey reveals a growing divide in how Europeans view the U.S. in different contexts. While 75% of respondents in the Netherlands and Germany still consider the U.S. a strategic partner, the numbers drop significantly in Eastern Europe, where trust has been most eroded. Countries like Poland and the Baltic states, which have historically relied on U.S. military presence, now express greater apprehension about Washington’s long-term commitments. This regional variation suggests that the "collapse in faith" is not uniform across the continent but rather shaped by specific geopolitical and economic factors.
Despite the declining trust, the ECFR report acknowledges that European opinions may fluctuate depending on global events. For instance, a major U.S. intervention or a strong show of solidarity could temporarily restore confidence. However, the cumulative effect of Trump’s policies and the U.S. withdrawal from key international agreements has created a lasting impression of unreliability. As the transatlantic partnership faces new challenges, the survey serves as a warning that Europe may need to redefine its role in global affairs and assert more independence in its foreign policy decisions.