A new survey shows a major shift in European public opinion. Views on global powers are changing. Opinions on security and defense are also evolving. Many people are now questioning traditional alliances. At the same time, there is growing support for a stronger and more independent Europe.
A Major Shift in European Opinion
A new survey shows a major shift in how Europeans view global powers, with many now seeing the United States as more of a threat than China. The poll covered six countries—Poland, Spain, Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy—and reflects declining trust in the U.S.
Only 12 percent of respondents described the United States as a close ally, while 36 percent said it is a threat. In comparison, 29 percent viewed China as a threat. Across four of the six countries, more respondents saw Washington as a bigger risk than Beijing. France and Poland were the only exceptions.
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Spain showed the strongest concern, with 51 percent calling the U.S. a threat. Italy followed at 46 percent, Belgium at 42 percent, France at 37 percent, and Germany at 30 percent. Poland stood out, with only 13 percent sharing this view, likely due to its security concerns and geographic position.
Rising Security Concerns Across Europe
The survey also explored how Europeans view security and defense, highlighting strong support for a more independent and self-reliant Europe. Around 86 percent of respondents said Europe should build its own defense capabilities, with more than half expressing strong agreement. This reflects a clear shift in thinking, as many people now believe Europe should depend less on outside powers for its security and be better prepared to handle threats on its own.
Support for closer military cooperation was also significant. About 69 percent of those surveyed backed the idea of creating a shared European military force that would work alongside national armies. When it came to defending allies, public support remained high. Around 76 percent said they would support sending troops to defend a NATO member if attacked, and this number increased to 81 percent when the situation involved protecting a fellow European Union country.
However, this strong support at the national level did not fully translate into personal willingness to fight. Only 19 percent of respondents said they would take up arms if their own country were attacked. Nearly half preferred to contribute in non-combat roles such as logistics, medical assistance, or civil protection, while others said they would offer indirect support or even consider leaving the country during a conflict.
Views on defense spending were divided. While 37 percent felt current spending was appropriate, an equal share believed more investment was needed. Meanwhile, 22 percent said spending was already too high, with opinions differing widely across countries.
Divisions Over Ukraine and Broader Threats
The survey also examined views on support for Ukraine, revealing a divided opinion across Europe. Around 34 percent of respondents said Europe is not doing enough to support Ukraine, suggesting a demand for stronger involvement. At the same time, 31 percent felt the current level of support is appropriate, indicating satisfaction with existing efforts. Meanwhile, 30 percent believed Europe is already providing too much assistance, reflecting concerns about overcommitment and its impact on domestic priorities.
These opinions varied significantly from country to country. In Germany, a large share of respondents supported increasing aid to Ukraine, showing a stronger push for continued involvement. In contrast, Italy saw more people expressing the view that Europe is already doing too much. Spain and Belgium leaned toward expanding support, while France remained more evenly split, with no clear majority opinion dominating the debate.
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Despite these differences on Ukraine, there was strong agreement on one major issue—Russia is widely seen as the biggest threat. Around 70 percent of respondents across all surveyed countries identified Russia as a serious concern, making it the most consistently recognized risk in the region.
The survey also explored attitudes toward military service. Germany and Belgium showed strong support for reintroducing some form of mandatory service, while Italy displayed moderate backing. Spain, however, had more opposition, highlighting varying national attitudes toward defense policies.