What's Happening?
A new GLOBSEC Trends 2026 survey indicates that 71% of Europeans in surveyed EU countries support the creation of a European army. This support is particularly high in Romania (82%), Lithuania (78%), and France (75%), and also significant in Poland, Bulgaria,
and Germany. The survey, conducted in May 2026 with HarrisX, covers 14 countries, including Central and Eastern Europe, France, Germany, Britain, and the United States. Despite this desire for independent defense capabilities, 78% of citizens in European NATO member countries still wish for their country to remain in NATO, viewing a European army as a complement rather than an alternative to the transatlantic alliance. The findings also highlight a noticeable shift in the perception of the United States, with 35% of Europeans now viewing it as a threat to their country's security, and only 54% considering it a reliable partner. Germany stands out as the only country where a majority sees the U.S. as a threat to national security.
Why It's Important?
This survey underscores a significant shift in European public opinion regarding defense and security, with potential implications for U.S. foreign policy and NATO's future. The strong support for a European army, coupled with growing distrust of the U.S., suggests a desire for greater strategic autonomy within Europe. This could lead to increased European defense spending and a more unified European defense posture, potentially altering the balance of responsibilities within NATO. For the U.S., this trend could mean a re-evaluation of its role in European security, as European nations seek to reduce their reliance on American support. The erosion of trust in the U.S., particularly in Germany, could strain diplomatic relations and impact transatlantic cooperation on various issues. Economically, a stronger European defense industry could emerge, potentially creating new competition or collaboration opportunities for U.S. defense contractors. The survey also reveals a broader crisis of trust in democratic institutions within Europe, which could have long-term political and social consequences.
What's Next?
European governments will likely face increasing public pressure to translate this support for a European army into concrete military power and operational readiness. This could involve further increases in defense spending, investments in military production, and efforts to enhance civil protection and infrastructure. The ongoing war in Ukraine and the perceived Russian threat are likely to continue driving these discussions. The U.S. will need to carefully navigate these evolving European sentiments, potentially adjusting its diplomatic and security strategies to maintain strong alliances while acknowledging Europe's desire for greater independence. Discussions within NATO may intensify regarding burden-sharing and the future structure of European defense. The survey also highlights the need for European leaders to address the crisis of trust in democratic institutions, which could involve implementing reforms to combat corruption, reduce economic inequality, and strengthen independent judiciaries.
Beyond the Headlines
The survey's findings point to deeper ethical and cultural implications regarding the transatlantic relationship. The growing distrust of the U.S. among Europeans, particularly concerning the unilateral use of American power and military interventions, suggests a re-evaluation of shared values and strategic alignment. The differing views on the war in Ukraine, especially in Germany, highlight the complexities of maintaining a unified front in the face of external threats. The spread of Kremlin narratives and the impact of disinformation on public opinion underscore the vulnerability of democratic societies to external influence, posing a challenge that extends beyond military capabilities to information resilience and institutional credibility. The desire for a stronger European pillar within NATO, while not an alternative, signifies a potential long-term shift towards a more multipolar global security landscape, where Europe plays a more assertive and independent role.
