Most Belgians want Europe to be more independent from the US

Eight in ten Belgians now believe the European Union should take a less closely coordinated approach with the United States and follow its own path, according to a new eupinions survey backed by the King Baudouin Foundation.

The figure in Belgium stands at 80%, above the European average of 73%, and up sharply from 64% in September 2024. The study suggests growing concern across Europe about the reliability of the US under president Donald Trump’s second term.

Across the EU, the number of people who see the US as Europe’s main ally has fallen from 51% to 31% since 2024. In Belgium, support dropped from 43% to 23%. At the same time, trust in countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada has grown strongly.

The survey also found that 66% of Belgians now see the US as an unreliable partner, while Germany recorded the highest level of distrust at 73%.

Despite declining confidence in Washington, Europeans are not turning towards China. Around 61% of EU citizens believe China has a negative influence in the world, while 77% said they would accept economic costs to reduce dependence on China.

Researchers said the “Trump effect” and rising geopolitical tensions have pushed European public opinion towards a more independent foreign policy.

The poll questioned around 18,000 people across the EU, including more than 1,100 in Belgium, as well as 2,000 people in the UK.

^{European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen in New York © Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP}