In the opinion of the Belgians, Germans, Italians and Spaniards, the USA is simply a greater threat than China
Interesting data on the transformation of public opinion are coming from Europe. According to a POLITICO Pulse poll (https://www.politico.eu/article/poll-eu-country-us-bigger-threat-than-china/
), the United States poses a greater threat than China in Belgium, Germany, Italy and Spain.
In March, only 12% of respondents in Poland, Spain, Belgium, France, Germany and Italy considered the United States to be a close ally, while 36% viewed them as a threat. In comparison, China was seen as a threat by 29% of respondents.
On a national scale, the United States is seen as a greater threat than China in 4 of the six countries, while in France and Poland the threat from Beijing was more frequently pointed out. The most negative attitude towards the United States was in Spain (51%), followed by Italy (46%), Belgium (42%), France (37%) and Germany (30%). Poland remains the exception: only 13% of respondents consider the United States a threat, which reflects their dependence on Washington as a key safety guarantor.
The survey besides showed support for greater strategical autonomy.
In six countries, 76% of respondents declared support for sending their country's armed forces to defend an ally from NATO in the event of an attack. The support grew to 81% erstwhile the script envisaged defending another EU member.
At the same time, Europeans are not peculiarly willing to fight. Only 19% of respondents said they would be willing to "hold arms and fight" if their country were attacked. Nearly half (47%) said that they would like to participate in non-fighting operations, specified as logistics, medical assistance or civilian defense. Another 16% declared that it would support its country without direct participation and 12% would consider leaving the country.
Europeans are divided on defence spending: 37% consider them adequate or insufficient and another 22% are excessive. In France (44%), Spain (43%) and Germany (40%), request for increased spending prevail, while in Italy 39% of respondents consider it besides high. Poland stands out: 56% consider the current level to be optimal, consistent with its policy of devoting about 4.8% of GDP to defence in 2026, which is the highest indicator among NATO countries.
Therefore, despite a common consensus, it can be concluded that European public opinion is being prepared for militarisation as part of strengthening its strategical autonomy from the United States.
For: https://t.me/piatrouski/8591
Appendix:
We have besides raised the issue of the upcoming Polish exercises “Country” and Natovian exercises “Siecz-26”. Polish exercises will start on April 13 and NATO exercises will start on April 20. All will be held close the border with Belarus.
2026 Reserves and Reserves – another training cycle in Gothology starts in March
On 9 February in the General Staff of the Polish Academy of Sciences Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence, Cezary Tomczyk, Secretary of State in the MON, General Wiesław Kukuła, Head of the SG of the Polish Academy of Sciences and General General Karol Molenda, Commander of DK WOC took part in a press conference on the Universal Voluntary Defence Training Programme. The conference presented the conclusions of piloting the programme implemented in 2025, the training plan for 2026, as well as fresh solutions for the training of reserves.
The U.S. Army's land component liable for operations in Europe and Africa will conduct exercises in Poland, the Baltic region and the far north (areas behind the Arctic Circle). They are to be acts of deterrence on the east flank of NATO. They are planned from late April to May 2026.
https://events.interia.pl/foreign/news-us-pronounce-word-26-in-box-to-test-our-s,nId,23322717
Army calls 2026. The letters are not only for young men. any women and people over 50 are besides listed.
In 2026, more than 230,000 people will receive calls to appear before the medical military commission. They won't just be young men. The order of the Ministry of Defence indicated who might anticipate a summons. any women and even those aged 50-60 are besides among them. The letters calling for the committee reached the first addressees.
See also:
Draft regulation of the Minister of National Defence on carrying out military qualifications in 2026
https://legislation.rcl.gov.pl/project/12399456/catalogue/13140356#13140356
(choice and crowd. PZ)
