Poll Reveals Majority of EU Citizens Support Splitting from US
A new survey conducted by a German NGO reveals that nearly two-thirds of EU citizens prefer the bloc to pursue its own path rather than following the lead of Washington. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
A recent survey conducted in Germany reveals that a significant portion of residents in the European Union is calling for the bloc to pursue a more independent path. According to the poll, 63% of citizens across the 27 EU member states feel the EU should “go its own way,” indicating a notable shift from the 25% who expressed similar sentiments in 2017.
The Bertelsmann Stiftung, a foundation based in Germany, surveyed both American citizens and residents of the EU. The findings suggest a growing desire for independence within the bloc, particularly in light of recent political developments, including the re-election of Donald Trump.
While 51% of EU respondents view the US as their most valuable ally, this perspective is predominantly held by older individuals; only 38% of those aged 18-35 agree, compared to 63% among those 55 and older. In contrast, just 25% of those surveyed in the US consider the EU their top ally, with 27% favoring the UK.
According to analysts Isabell Hoffmann and Catherine De Vries, “EU citizens will have understood that the old America is not coming back. They cannot hope for the best. They need to prepare for the worst: A United States that is hyper-transactional, sometimes antagonistic, and self-centered.”
Despite still viewing each other as valued allies and holding NATO in high esteem, Hoffmann and De Vries note that “eight years of American hyper-polarization at home and mixed messaging abroad have taken their toll.”
The survey also highlighted differences among EU member states, with only 43% of Belgians identifying the US as their top ally, in stark contrast to 65% of Poles. Additionally, 13% of Italians indicated that China is their most important partner.
Security remains a shared priority, with 25% of EU citizens and 35% of Americans citing secure borders as their top concern. A greater percentage of EU respondents, 64%, believe NATO provides protection against this threat, compared to 59% in the US.
While 73% of EU citizens desire a more proactive role for the bloc in global affairs, only 56% of Americans express the same wish for their own country.
The survey included responses from over 26,000 individuals across all 27 EU member states, along with a representative sample of 2,500 Americans. The margin of error was reported to be 0.8% for the EU and 3% for the US, with a confidence level of 95%.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
The Bertelsmann Stiftung, a foundation based in Germany, surveyed both American citizens and residents of the EU. The findings suggest a growing desire for independence within the bloc, particularly in light of recent political developments, including the re-election of Donald Trump.
While 51% of EU respondents view the US as their most valuable ally, this perspective is predominantly held by older individuals; only 38% of those aged 18-35 agree, compared to 63% among those 55 and older. In contrast, just 25% of those surveyed in the US consider the EU their top ally, with 27% favoring the UK.
According to analysts Isabell Hoffmann and Catherine De Vries, “EU citizens will have understood that the old America is not coming back. They cannot hope for the best. They need to prepare for the worst: A United States that is hyper-transactional, sometimes antagonistic, and self-centered.”
Despite still viewing each other as valued allies and holding NATO in high esteem, Hoffmann and De Vries note that “eight years of American hyper-polarization at home and mixed messaging abroad have taken their toll.”
The survey also highlighted differences among EU member states, with only 43% of Belgians identifying the US as their top ally, in stark contrast to 65% of Poles. Additionally, 13% of Italians indicated that China is their most important partner.
Security remains a shared priority, with 25% of EU citizens and 35% of Americans citing secure borders as their top concern. A greater percentage of EU respondents, 64%, believe NATO provides protection against this threat, compared to 59% in the US.
While 73% of EU citizens desire a more proactive role for the bloc in global affairs, only 56% of Americans express the same wish for their own country.
The survey included responses from over 26,000 individuals across all 27 EU member states, along with a representative sample of 2,500 Americans. The margin of error was reported to be 0.8% for the EU and 3% for the US, with a confidence level of 95%.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
