Europe sees US as a 'necessary partner, not ally,' poll finds
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The polls show a "collapse of trust in Washington’s foreign policy agenda” according to Arturo Varvelli, author of the poll, adding that the EU should look into a more pragmatic approach.
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President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the Oval Office at the White House, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. (AP)
A recent report by the European Council on Foreign Relations found that most Europeans view the US as a "necessary partner" rather than an actual ally, even among the more pro-Washington countries like Poland and Denmark who saw the US as an ally in polls 18 months ago.
50% of Europeans in member states who were surveyed viewed the United States this way, with 21% only seeing it as an actual ally, suggesting that Europe is shifting towards a more "realistic, transactional" approach towards the States.
Denmark, Germany, and the UK had the highest rates of people who saw Trump as bad for their countries, while most other countries saw Trump as either "bad" or gave an option other than "bad" or "good".
Ukraine (67%), Spain (57%), and Estonia (55%) held the highest rates of people seeing the US as a "necessary partner".
The figures show a "collapse of trust in Washington’s foreign policy agenda," author of the report Arturo Varvelli said, adding, "This finding alone should really sharpen minds about the need for Europe to embrace greater pragmatism and autonomy in its global dealings, as a means of protecting its citizens and its values in the coming period."
Trump sours US relations with EU over tariffs
Trump stirred reprisal with the European Union following his decision to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, triggering a series of retaliations by European Union countries and organizations who promised Trump's actions would not go unanswered.
"Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered - they will trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures. The EU will act to safeguard its interests," stated Ursula von Der Leyen, expressing her regret at Trump's decision.
The Washington Post reported on Sunday that European countries may be less inclined the support US efforts against China if Trump moves on with his plan to impose tariffs on EU goods.
The European Commission said on Monday that it would take action following Trump's announcement, but would wait for further clarification of the measures it will take, in an escalation that could lead to a trade war between the EU and the US.
Trump imposed 25% tariffs on steel and 10% tariffs on aluminum during his first term in 2018, and the EU responded by imposing tariffs on 2.8 billion dollars worth of American goods including bourbon and Harley Davidson motorcycles.
