According to a new survey conducted by the GLOBSEC security policy think tank, a majority of Europeans support the creation of a European Union (EU) army, with 71 percent backing the idea amid growing concerns over the reliability of US security commitments.
The “Trends 2026” report, published by GLOBSEC, found widespread support for an EU army across the countries surveyed, reaching 82 percent in Romania, 78 percent in Lithuania, and 75 percent in France.
Support stood at around 70 percent in Poland and Bulgaria, while 69 percent of respondents in Germany backed the proposal, despite traditional reservations in some countries about deeper European defence integration.
The survey covered 14 countries across the transatlantic region, including 11 EU member states, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The findings also revealed strong support for strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities alongside NATO, rather than replacing the transatlantic alliance, AA reports.
Approximately 78 percent of respondents in EU countries supported developing the bloc’s own defence capabilities alongside NATO, while 77 percent of respondents in NATO member states said they would vote in favour of remaining in the alliance.
Support for strengthening military preparedness also extended to mandatory military service.
Among respondents in countries where compulsory military service is not currently in place, 64 percent supported its reintroduction, with the highest levels of support recorded in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Slovakia.
According to the report, more than 80 percent of respondents believe European countries should assume greater responsibility for their own security if the United States reduces its role.
Meanwhile, 60 percent support increased defence spending, while a similar proportion said they would personally defend their country in the event of an attack.
Nevertheless, confidence in Europe’s ability to defend itself remains limited.
Only half of those surveyed believe Europe could guarantee its own security without strong US support, while just one-third consider their country prepared for a major crisis or war.
