Drawing on recent findings from Bertelsmann Stiftung’s “Europe’s Call for Greater Independence”, this abstract examines changing public attitudes toward Europe’s geopolitical role in an era marked by war, strategic competition, and growing uncertainty in transatlantic relations. The study reveals a significant shift in European public opinion: nearly three in four EU citizens now believe that the European Union should “go its own way” after decades of close alignment with the United States. While the U.S. remains Europe’s most important ally, confidence in Washington has declined sharply since 2024, largely due to the political and diplomatic consequences associated with the return of Donald Trump to the presidency. Trust in the United States as a reliable partner has weakened across demographic groups, indicating a broader structural change in transatlantic relations rather than a temporary fluctuation.

At the same time, China has not emerged as an attractive alternative. Europeans remain skeptical of China’s growing global influence and increasingly support reducing strategic and economic dependencies on Beijing, even if doing so entails economic costs. Instead, support is growing for closer cooperation with partners such as the United Kingdom and Canada, which are perceived as more trustworthy and politically aligned with European values and interests. Despite calls for greater strategic autonomy, Europeans continue to view NATO as an essential pillar of collective security and peace, demonstrating that demands for independence do not necessarily imply isolationism or disengagement from existing alliances.

Overall, the findings point to the emergence of a more self-reliant Europe that seeks to strengthen its own political, economic, and security capabilities while remaining committed to multilateral cooperation and democratic partnerships. The study highlights a broader transformation in Europe’s strategic identity, shaped by geopolitical instability, shifting alliances, and growing public support for a more sovereign European Union.