German Media: Survey: Europeans' Trust in the U.S. Plummets – But China Is Not a Viable Alternative?

A survey led by Germany's Bertelsmann Foundation reveals that more than half of EU respondents do not consider the United States a trustworthy partner. However, China has not gained greater recognition among EU respondents as a result; skepticism and reservations remain strong.

A research study conducted across all 27 EU member states shows that most Europeans no longer view the U.S. as a reliable partner. Nevertheless, the Bertelsmann Foundation, which led this survey, notes that support for NATO among European populations remains stable.

When releasing this analytical report, the German Bertelsmann Foundation pointed out that the experience of Donald Trump’s presidency has left a deep impression on public opinion in Europe. The foundation commissioned Nira Data to conduct a questionnaire survey across Europe in March 2026, targeting adults aged 18 to 69. The sample was representative, with slightly over 18,000 participants.

Public Opinion: Two-Thirds of Germans Believe the U.S. Threatens Global Peace

The survey results show that 58% of respondents across the EU believe the United States is not a trustworthy partner. In response to inquiries from Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa), the study’s author Florian Kommer noted that this figure is even higher in Germany—reaching 73%. In contrast, across the entire EU of 27 countries, only an average of 42% of respondents considered the U.S. a trustworthy partner.

Moreover, only 31% of respondents viewed the U.S. as the EU’s “most important partner.” This proportion stood at 51% in a survey conducted in September 2024—indicating a sharp decline of 20 percentage points within a short period.

As high as 73% of respondents believe that, after decades of close ties with the U.S., Europe should now “go its own way.” This share was 63% in the autumn 2024 survey. Based on these findings, the Bertelsmann Foundation concludes: “A controversial, polarizing U.S. president, combined with increasingly tense geopolitical developments, has collectively driven European public opinion toward greater pursuit of independence.”

At the same time, the survey results also indicate that China has not gained increased favor among EU respondents and has not emerged as a potential alternative partner. Strong skepticism and reservations toward China persist. In contrast, the study shows that the UK and Canada are perceived as having more significant strategic roles. Furthermore, the vast majority of respondents (63%) continue to regard NATO, the defense alliance, as the “cornerstone” of Europe’s security system.

Sources: DW, dpa

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864855849083915/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.