Europeans Rank U.S. a Bigger Threat Than China, View Russia as Clear Enemy

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 9, 2026 4:06 AM ET

Europeans Rank U.S. a Bigger Threat Than China, View Russia as Clear Enemy

A new poll finds many Europeans view the United States as more of a risk than a close partner. Filmogaz.com is reporting on the Politico survey results released in March.

Survey details

The European Pulse poll was conducted by Cluster17 for Politico and beBartlet. It surveyed 6,698 people in six EU countries between March 13 and March 21.

Overall findings on the US and China

Only 12% of respondents described the United States as a close ally. By contrast, 36% saw the US as a threat.

China registered as a threat for 29% of respondents. In four of the six countries, concern about Washington exceeded concern about Beijing.

The results show Europeans rank U.S. a bigger threat than China in several nations. France and Poland were the two exceptions.

Country-by-country breakdown

Spain: 51% said the United States posed a risk to Europe. This was the highest proportion.
Italy: 46% viewed the US as a threat.
Belgium: 42% regarded Washington as a risk.
France: 37% saw the US as threatening.
Germany: 30% considered the United States a threat.
Poland: only 13% said the US posed a risk, making it the outlier.

Poland’s proximity to Russia and its reliance on American security guarantees help explain its distinct response.

Views on Russia

Russia drew the most concern across the sample. Seventy percent of respondents identified Moscow as a threat.

The poll indicates respondents broadly view Russia as clear enemy in this context.

Political background

The findings come amid political remarks that may influence public opinion. In a Telegraph interview, Donald Trump said he was considering the possibility of the US leaving NATO.

On the same day, Marco Rubio said the United States would review its NATO role after any Iran conflict. Trump also said his frustration with NATO grew after allies failed to grasp his Greenland plan.

Filmogaz.com covered the Politico poll and its implications for transatlantic relations. The data underline shifting attitudes toward the US, China and Russia in key EU states.