Europe Admits It Can’t Defend Itself Without U.S. Support

Survey Reveals European Views on Defense Independence

According to Главком: A pan-European Union poll has uncovered deep divisions over whether the continent can stand on its own militarily without American backing. According to the data, 40% of respondents consider it acceptable to rely on European military assistance, while 14% said they would be open to support from non-European nations. However, only 41% believe Europe as a whole is ready to defend itself, compared to 43% who think it is not prepared.

The study also found that 58% of those surveyed feel their own countries are not ready for self-defense, while just 27% believe their nations are capable. Despite widespread doubt, 46% of citizens agreed that Europe should manufacture its own military equipment within the bloc, even if it leads to higher costs.

Finland stands out sharply from the rest: 76% of respondents there expressed confidence in their country’s defensive readiness. Across 18 of the countries polled, a majority view relying on pan-European forces as normal. Additionally, in Finland, France, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece, most people supported the idea of being able to fight independently.

Initiatives and Expert Commentary

Discussions on security have been accompanied by concrete steps. The SAFE initiative, for instance, proposes €150 billion in loans for weapons procurement. Separately, the United Kingdom recently announced a support package for Ukraine worth nearly £290 million (approximately 17.19 billion UAH). Ukraine and Sweden have also signed an agreement to purchase Gripen E fighter jets. On July 1, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Ireland to attend the opening ceremony of the country’s presidency of the Council of the EU.

“Europeans feel less secure and see the U.S. as a less reliable partner.” - Anand Menon

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, commenting on the survey results, described the idea of “European self-defense without U.S. involvement as a fantasy.” Such remarks reflect a broader societal mood and underscore the urgency of strengthening Europe’s own security architecture.

The findings highlight growing skepticism among Europeans about relying on U.S. military support and a rising demand for stronger indigenous defense capabilities. This shift could influence EU policy decisions, particularly around joint defense initiatives and military program funding. In an era of global instability, these sentiments may push European nations toward more assertive action in pursuit of strategic autonomy.

As Europe grapples with its defense capabilities, Ukraine is becoming a central figure in the continent's military strategy. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the need for independent defense mechanisms, particularly in light of the recent survey findings that highlight significant concerns regarding European self-reliance without U.S. support.