{
    "title": "Most Belgians want Europe to be more independent from the US",
    "modified_at": "2026-05-29 12:40:25",
    "published_at": "2026-05-29 12:40:00",
    "url": "https://www.belganewsagency.eu/most-belgians-want-europe-to-be-more-independent-from-the-us",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/JFHd",
    "culture": "en_BE",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "most-belgians-want-europe-to-be-more-independent-from-the-us",
    "body": "<p><strong>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.</strong></p><p>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&rsquo;s second term.</p><p>Across the EU, the number of people who see the US as Europe&rsquo;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.</p><p>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%.</p><p>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.</p><p>Researchers said the &ldquo;Trump effect&rdquo; and rising geopolitical tensions have pushed European public opinion towards a more independent foreign policy.</p><p>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.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><sup>European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen in New York &copy; Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP</sup></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Flanders",
        "last_name": "News Service"
    },
    "format_version": 5
}