Spain wants greater European independence from US, poll shows

Spaniards are leading support for a stronger, more independent Europe amid growing scepticism toward the United States under President Donald Trump, according to a March survey by Politico.

The poll, conducted among residents of six EU countries, found that 51% of Spaniards view Washington as a “threat” to Europe—the highest share among the countries surveyed.

Spaniards also expressed significant opposition to US foreign policy and the military actions by the US and Israel against Iran: 56% disapprove of the offensive operations, and 43% believe Madrid should publicly oppose the military campaign and work toward ending the conflict.

Support for European autonomy is particularly strong in Spain, with 94% of respondents saying the continent should become more self-sufficient and less dependent on other powers, even if it entails high economic costs.

Across the six surveyed countries, 87% of respondents endorsed this idea.

Spanish citizens also demonstrated a willingness to defend allies: 89% said they would support deploying the Spanish military to assist any EU member state under attack, surpassing the 86% support reported in Belgium and Poland.

The European Pulse survey, conducted by Cluster17 for Politico, included 6,698 respondents in Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Belgium and was carried out from March 13 to 21.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov