Full Breakdown
Europeans Seek Greater Independence from the United States, Survey Shows
5/7/2026, 11:39:10 AM
Survey Reveals Strong Desire for Autonomy
A Bertelsmann Stiftung study based on surveys conducted between September 2024 and March 2026 finds that 73 percent of EU citizens now say the Union should “go its own way” after decades of close alignment with the United States, up from 63 percent in 2024. The shift is evident across all demographic groups, with the most pronounced increase among older Europeans. Trust in Washington is low: 58 percent of respondents do not view the United States as a trustworthy partner. While the United States remains the EU’s most important ally for 31 percent of respondents, that share has fallen by 20 percentage points since 2024.
Historical Context: Transatlantic Strain Under the Trump Presidency
The study attributes the change to “deep scars” left by the Trump presidency, which has eroded confidence in the transatlantic partnership. Respondents cite a polarising American leader and heightened geopolitical tensions as drivers of a more self-reliant stance in foreign and security policy.
Shifting Alliance Preferences Within the West
Despite waning confidence in the United States, Europeans are not turning to China. The survey shows persistent skepticism toward Beijing and a continued preference for reducing dependencies even at economic cost. Instead, the United Kingdom and Canada are gaining importance as strategic partners, indicating a rebalancing rather than abandonment of the transatlantic framework. Support for NATO remains solid, with 63 percent of respondents viewing the alliance as a cornerstone of security.
Data Highlights
- 73 % of EU citizens favor greater independence from the United States.
- 58 % distrust the United States as a partner.
- 31 % still consider the United States the EU’s most valuable ally, down 20 points.
- 63 % endorse NATO as essential to European security.
Official Statements from Bertelsmann Stiftung
Florian Kommer, senior expert for European strategic issues, stresses that Europeans “want to become more independent from the United States” and calls for “detailed policies and a real investment in Europe’s own capabilities.” Brandon Bohrn, senior expert for transatlantic relations, adds that building a stronger, self-reliant Europe must be paired with “expanding its partnerships to ensure greater resilience and strategic stability.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “The message ahead of this year’s Europe Day is unmistakable: Europeans want to become more independent from the United States. Trust has eroded, America’s standing as Europe’s central partner has fallen. The partnership is not beyond repair, but our data point to a deeper, structural rift in transatlantic relations. European citizens are calling for greater independence, notably in foreign and security policy. Policymakers need to translate this call into detailed policies and a real investment in Europe’s own capabilities.” — Florian Kommer, Senior Expert, Bertelsmann Stiftung
- “Florian Kommer, Senior Expert for European Strategic Issues at the Bertelsmann Stiftung, argues: “The message ahead of this year’s Europe Day is unmistakable: Europeans want to become more independent from the United States.” — Florian Kommer, Senior Expert, Bertelsmann Stiftung
- “In this context, building a stronger and more self-reliant Europe goes hand in hand with expanding its partnerships to ensure greater resilience and strategic stability.” — Brandon Bohrn, Senior Expert, Bertelsmann Stiftung
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All cited sources present a consistent picture of declining U.S. favorability and rising European desire for autonomy; no contradictory data are reported.
Outlook: Policy Implications
The study’s authors urge European policymakers to translate public sentiment into concrete strategies, including increased investment in defence and security capabilities and deeper cooperation with the United Kingdom, Canada, and NATO allies. The forthcoming Europe Day on May 9 may serve as a platform for articulating these policy shifts.
