According to the GLOBSEC Trends 2026 study, the idea of creating a European Union army received support from 71% of respondents in the 11 EU countries covered by the survey. This was reported by Politico, citing a report from the GLOBSEC analytical center.

Geography of support and attitude toward NATO

The highest level of approval for the initiative was recorded in Romania, where 82% of survey participants expressed support. High figures were also observed in Lithuania (78%) and France (75%). In Poland and Bulgaria, approximately 70% of respondents expressed support, while in Germany, this figure stood at 69%.

Attitude toward international alliances and the US

78% in favor of maintaining NATO membership
78% in favor of developing EU defense alongside NATO
54% consider the US a reliable partner
35% see the US as a security threat

Despite the demand for the creation of European forces, the majority of residents in European alliance countries favor maintaining ties with NATO. Meanwhile, only 49% of respondents are confident that European states can ensure their security without significant assistance from the US.

Impact of social spending on the military budget

Citizens' willingness to fund defense directly depends on social priorities. If the issue is solely about increasing military spending, 61% of respondents support it. However, if this requires cutting funding for healthcare and social protection, the level of support drops to 44%.