MOSCOW, June 7 Over 70% of Europeans believe that Europe cannot constantly rely on the United States and must develop its own defense sector, according to a report based on a survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations.
According to data published on the website of the Council, 74% of respondents from nine European countries think so. The opposite opinion is shared by only 8% of respondents who declare. that the United States will always protect Europe, so it should not worry about its defense capability.
At the same time, when asked whether Europeans see the United States as an ally, a necessary partner, competitor or adversary, 32% chose the first option, 43% — the second, 7% — the third, 14% could not answer. Slightly more than 4% named the United States as the enemy with which Europe is in conflict.
To a similar question about China, the Europeans mostly said that China is the right partner. This is the opinion of 43% of respondents, another 24% believe that China is a competitor, and 11% that it is an adversary. Another 18% could not answer the question. 3.3% of respondents consider China an ally.
New report by the European Council on Foreign Relations is based on a survey conducted in April 2023 in 11 European countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden). 16,168 people took part in the survey. Statistical error is not indicated.