Only 11% of Europeans see US as ally, historic low

European confidence in the United States as a reliable security partner has hit a historic low, with a recent survey indicating that only 11% of Europeans consider the U.S. an ally. This figure represents a significant drop from 16% six months prior and 22% in November 2024, according to a report by the European Council on Foreign Relations.

The survey, conducted in May 2026 across 15 European countries including Austria, France, Germany, Poland, and the UK, reveals widespread doubt among respondents about whether the U.S. would intervene if they were attacked. This erosion of trust comes at a critical time, just before major G7 and NATO summits.

While a majority of Europeans continue to support Ukraine as an ally or strategic partner, this solidarity appears to wane when discussions turn to post-war scenarios. Support for deploying peacekeeping forces in Ukraine and expanding EU membership eastward shows a weakening consensus among the surveyed nations. The poll utilized methodologies from research firms like Mandate Research and YouGov, sampling individuals aged 18 and above.