NATO retains strong European backing despite US threats
A new study shows most Europeans still view NATO positively, providing political cover for governments to ramp up defence spending despite uncertainty from Washington.
A study of 13 NATO member states found that public support for the military alliance remains broadly positive across Europe, even as US President Donald Trump actively undermines the organisation.
This sustained approval is a crucial asset for European governments currently funnelling billions into military budgets. As Russia's war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, political leaders need domestic backing to justify defence spending that diverts funds from other economic priorities.
Favourability is highest in countries feeling the most immediate security pressure. Some 78% of Poles and 74% of Swedes hold a positive view of the alliance. Majorities in Germany (73%) and Hungary (72%) also back NATO.
Support is not uniform across the continent, creating potential friction points for joint European security initiatives. Spain is evenly split, while clear majorities in Greece and Turkey—both at 59%—view NATO negatively. Positive opinions have also slipped over the past year in France (-7%) and Italy (-6%).
The survey highlights a generational divide that could shape future European defence politics. In Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Hungary, adults aged 18-34 are significantly more likely to view NATO positively than those over 50. In the US, support has fallen 3% amid a stark partisan gap, with 75% of Democrats favourable compared to just 42% of Republicans.
The underlying driver of this European support remains consistent: deep distrust of Moscow. At least six in ten adults in every European country surveyed hold an unfavourable view of Russia, peaking at 94% in Sweden. Confidence in Vladimir Putin is similarly low, though a notable minority in Turkey (39%), Greece (35%) and Hungary (33%) still trust him.
Opinion on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is more fractured, which could complicate long-term European financial commitments to Kyiv. While 83% of Swedes and 68% of Britons express confidence in him, 78% of Hungarians and 75% of Greeks do not. In the US, 50% trust Zelenskyy against 40% who do not, underscoring the fragile nature of transatlantic support for Ukraine's economy.
