A new study by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) reveals that a majority of Europeans no longer see the United States as an “ally” but rather as a “necessary partner.” This shift in perception comes amid ongoing tensions between the EU and the U.S., particularly over trade tariffs.
According to the survey, this sentiment is shared by half of the respondents, including a majority in traditionally U.S.-friendly nations such as Denmark, Germany, and Poland.
“This represents a big change for some countries that used to be strongly transatlantic,” said Pawel Zerka, ECFR’s senior policy fellow. “But this is understandable because if Donald Trump does no longer present the transatlantic alliance as a true alliance, but as something which needs to be transactional, then we simply accept it.”
Zerka suggested that Europeans should see this shift as an “opportunity” to develop a more pragmatic approach to their relationship with the U.S.
The study, conducted in 11 EU countries as well as Ukraine, Switzerland, and the U.K., also highlights a divide in European opinions on Trump’s potential re-election. While nearly half of respondents in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania viewed his return to office as positive for world peace, the majority in Denmark and Germany expressed concern, with 62% and 55% respectively believing it would be harmful.
The findings further illustrate varying perspectives on the EU’s future. The largest group of respondents, termed “euro-optimists” (30%), believe the EU is a significant global power and unlikely to collapse in the next two decades. This sentiment was most common in Estonia, Denmark, Ukraine, Spain, and Portugal. Conversely, 22% identified as “euro-pessimists,” viewing the EU as lacking power and destined for eventual disintegration.
