A large majority of people in Belgium believe the European Union should reduce its close coordination with the United States and pursue a more independent foreign policy,

according to a new survey by eupinions supported by the King Baudouin Foundation.

The poll shows that 80% of Belgians now support a more autonomous European approach toward the United States, compared with an EU-wide average of 73%. This marks a significant rise from 64% in Belgium in September 2024, indicating a sharp shift in public sentiment.

Researchers link the trend to growing uncertainty over the reliability of the United States during the second term of President Donald Trump. Across the European Union, the proportion of respondents who consider the US the bloc’s main ally has fallen sharply from 51% in 2024 to 31% today. In Belgium alone, that figure dropped from 43% to just 23%.

At the same time, perceptions of the United States as a dependable partner have deteriorated. Around 66% of Belgians now describe the US as unreliable, with even higher levels of skepticism recorded in Germany, where distrust reaches 73%.

Despite waning confidence in Washington, Europeans are not shifting their alignment toward China. The survey found that 61% of EU citizens view China as having a negative global influence, while 77% support accepting economic costs in order to reduce dependence on Beijing.

Trust in alternative partners such as the United Kingdom and Canada has, however, increased significantly, suggesting a broader rethinking of Europe’s global alliances.

The findings are based on responses from around 18,000 people across the EU, including more than 1,100 in Belgium and 2,000 in the UK. Researchers say the results reflect a broader “Trump effect” and growing geopolitical tensions that are pushing European public opinion toward greater strategic independence. Photo by Karmakolle, Wikimedia commons.