A new survey shows that trust in the United States among Europeans has fallen sharply. Only about one in ten people across 15 European countries now see the US as an ally. Most respondents do not believe the US would help them if their country were attacked. The results highlight growing concern across Europe about long term security guarantees and global stability. The findings come from a report by the European Council on Foreign Relations. The think tank published the survey on Wednesday ahead of upcoming G7 and NATO summits in France and Turkey. It describes growing distrust between Europe and Washington. Researchers say the timing is important because of rising geopolitical tensions in Europe and beyond. The survey shows a major shift in opinion over time. Just 11 percent of people now call the US an ally. This is down from 16 percent six months ago and 22 percent in late 2024. Most people now see the US as only a “necessary partner.” This steady decline shows a clear shift in public opinion across many member states. The poll covered Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom. It shows that in every country, majorities doubt US military support in a crisis. The data reflects views across both large and small countries in the European region. Many respondents believe European countries would still help each other. This view is common even in nations with strong political divisions. Bulgaria is one of the few exceptions where confidence is different. This includes shared expectations of mutual defence between neighbouring nations. Researchers say the results reflect concerns about US foreign policy. Comments from former US President Donald Trump have influenced views. His statements on NATO, troop presence in Europe, and global conflicts have raised questions in Europe. Analysts say US political debates and global military actions are shaping public attitudes. Experts from ECFR say Europe is now more willing to strengthen its own defence. Jana Kobzová and Paweł Zerka, senior fellows at ECFR, say public opinion is shifting toward self-reliance. Many people support higher defence spending. They argue that this could lead to long term changes in European defence planning. Support for EU joint borrowing to fund defence is also growing. About 47 percent of people support the idea. It is most popular in Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Spain. This suggests growing political support for shared funding mechanisms in the European Union. At the same time, many Europeans want to reduce dependence on US military equipment. In several countries, large majorities support buying European defence systems instead. Many governments are also reviewing supply chains and defence procurement strategies. However, there is less support for cutting other public spending to pay for defence. Many people worry about domestic budgets and social services. These concerns are especially strong in countries facing economic pressure. Only a small share of Europeans support replacing NATO with a new EU defence system. Most still believe NATO remains important, even if trust in US leadership is weaker. However, debates about European strategic autonomy continue in policy circles. The survey also shows mixed views on Ukraine joining the European Union. Some countries oppose it in the current situation, even among strong supporters of Ukraine. This issue remains sensitive and is linked to broader debates about EU enlargement. Despite tensions, many Europeans still expect US relations to improve in the future. Most believe cooperation will get better after Donald Trump leaves office. This expectation persists despite current disagreements over security and trade policies. Experts say the findings show a turning point in Europe’s security thinking. Many governments may increase defence budgets and cooperation. The survey suggests Europe is moving toward stronger independence while still keeping links with the United States. It also shows that public trust is fragile and may depend on future US policy decisions and leadership changes in Washington.