An opinion poll conducted in six major Western European countries shows a sharp decline in the popularity of the United States over the past year. The majority of the population now prefers to prioritise European autonomy over preserving the transatlantic alliance, though a willingness to make sacrifices in order to do so remains in question.
Perceptions of the United States among Western Europeans are now the worst they have been since tracking on this topic started in 2016, a fresh YouGov poll shows. In all of the countries surveyed (Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) attitudes towards the United States are far more ’unfavourable’ rather than ’favourable’.
America is seen as unfriendly nation…
The timeline clearly shows that the US President Donald Trump’s attempted Greenland grab has succeeded in turning Europeans solidly against the United States, the survey found. Large majorities in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Great Britain all declared an unfavourable opinion.
Not only that. Western Europeans are increasingly of the belief that the United States is no longer a friendly nation. The number seeing America as either a friend and ally, or at least a friendly rival, having fallen significantly since last similar poll was conducted in 2023. Likewise, Western European attitudes towards President Donald Trump himself remain resolutely negative.
Given the America’s ’interest’ in Greenland (which is an autonomous territory of Denmark), it is not surprising that the most negative attitudes toward the United States are found in Denmark (about 84 per cent). Germany (72 per cent) and Spain (66 per cent) follow. On the other hand, France is relatively conciliatory towards the US, with ’only’ 62 per cent of respondents expressing a negative attitude towards Washington.
…but Europe still depends on the US
At the same time, the survey reveals interesting paradoxes raising questions about Europe’s self-confidence—or ability to act. When asked about security issues, some two thirds of Western Europeans believe that European peace and defence are reliant upon the United States. And when it comes to economic prosperity, about one half of respondents think Europe’s wellbeing is reliant upon good relations with the US.
The YouGov poll was conducted in the acove mentioned countries between 9-27 January 2026.
