Europe’s Call for Greater Independence

In a world increasingly shaped by war, confrontation and great-power rivalry, public opinion across the European Union points in one direction: greater independence. Nearly three in four Europeans now say the EU should ‘go its own way’ after decades of close cooperation with the United States. While the U.S. remains the EU’s top ally, a ‘Trump effect’ has sharply weakened its standing since 2024, and trust in Washington remains low. 

China, however, is not the beneficiary of that decline. Europeans are deeply skeptical of China’s global role and want to reduce their dependence – even at an economic cost. Instead, the UK and Canada are gaining ground as key partners, while NATO membership continues to be seen as a key safeguard against threats to peace. The picture that emerges is of a Europe that seeks greater independence while remaining committed to cooperation and collective security.