Overview
- Across six EU countries, 36% now see the U.S. as a threat and 12% as a close ally, according to a POLITICO Pulse survey of 6,698 adults fielded March 13–21.
- Spain leads the shift, with 51% calling Washington a threat, matching Madrid’s move to curb U.S. access to shared bases during the Iran war and broad public disapproval of that campaign.
- Support for European self-reliance is overwhelming, with 86% backing development of the EU’s own defense capabilities and 69% favoring a common European military force.
- Backing for collective defense stays high yet personal willingness to fight is low, as large majorities would aid allies but only 19% say they would take up arms while many prefer non-combat roles.
- Russia is seen as the clearest foe by 70% of respondents, views on aid to Ukraine are split across countries, and Poland stands out as pro-U.S. with only 13% seeing America as a risk.