Western Europeans turning against US after Greenland threat, poll finds

"The US president's attempted Greenland grab has succeeded in turning Europeans solidly against his country, the pollster's latest survey found. Large majorities in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Great Britain all declared an unfavourable opinion. The figures, ranging from 62% in France to 84% in Denmark of which Greenland is a self-governing territory mark a further steep rise in negative perceptions of the US even since November, when the range was between 49% and 70%."

"The polling also showed that in ever-increasing numbers, Europeans no longer see the US as a friendly nation, with fewer respondents in all six countries saying they still consider it an ally. Denmark, where unfavourable opinions of the US increased the most, also recorded the greatest change in this area: in July 2023, 80% of Danes said they saw the US as a friend or ally. Now, fewer than 26% do."

"The survey showed that Europeans tend to agree with the Trump administration's diagnosis that Europe has been too reliant on the US for defence (59-74%), allowed too much immigration (52-63%), and been too hesitant on the world stage (45-62%). However, they strongly disagree with the repeated US claim that European governments are excessively restrictive on free speech (18-31%), and fewer still share Trump's view that the EU has been unfair in its trade dealings with the US (10-17%)."

Polls show Western European opinions of the United States have fallen to their lowest levels since YouGov began tracking a decade ago. The US president's attempted acquisition of Greenland is linked to a sharp rise in negative views, with unfavourable ratings ranging from 62% in France to 84% in Denmark. Fewer Europeans now consider the US a friend or ally, with Denmark dropping from 80% in July 2023 to fewer than 26% now. Majorities agree Europe has relied too much on US defence and allowed too much immigration, but most reject claims that Europe is excessively restrictive on free speech or unfair in trade. Most respondents still view the US as stronger than Europe economically, diplomatically and militarily.

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