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EU Citizens Increasingly View US as Unreliable Partner: Study
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Economy & Trade

EU Citizens Increasingly View US as Unreliable Partner: Study

From Delfi · (7m ago) Lithuanian Critical tone

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A majority of EU citizens no longer consider the US a reliable partner, according to a Bertelsmann Foundation study.
  • The study found 58% of EU citizens view the US as unreliable, with this figure rising to 73% in Germany.
  • While support for NATO remains strong, many Europeans desire a more independent path for the continent, with China not seen as a viable alternative partner.

A recent analysis by the Bertelsmann Foundation, based on a comprehensive survey of over 18,000 adults across the EU, reveals a significant shift in European public opinion regarding the United States. The findings, as reported by Delfi, indicate that a substantial 58% of EU citizens no longer perceive the US as a dependable ally. This sentiment is particularly pronounced in Germany, where a staggering 73% share this view.

The study, conducted by Nira Data in March, also highlights a notable decline in the perception of the US as the EU's primary partner. Only 31% of respondents hold this view, a significant drop from 51% in September 2024. This erosion of trust is attributed, in part, to the polarizing nature of the Trump presidency and escalating geopolitical tensions, which have collectively fostered a desire for greater European autonomy.

58 percent of the EU citizens surveyed said that the USA is not a reliable partner.

— Florian KommerThe author of the study explains the key finding regarding the perception of the US as a partner.

Interestingly, while Europeans are seeking to "go their own way," the research indicates that China is not emerging as a preferred alternative partner. Skepticism towards Beijing remains high among EU respondents. Instead, the United Kingdom and Canada are viewed as more significant strategic partners. Despite these shifts in perception concerning the US, support for the NATO defense alliance remains robust, with 63% of respondents continuing to see it as a cornerstone of their security.

Almost three out of four respondents, or 73 percent, said that after decades of close ties with the USA, Europe should "go its own way."

— Florian KommerThe study author highlights the growing desire for European independence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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