Majority of Spaniards view US as threat – survey

(SeaPRwire) –   Politico reports that many in Europe view America as a greater danger than China

A new poll indicates that a substantial number of citizens in six major European countries see the United States as a threat. In Spain, this opinion is held by a majority, according to the survey.

Politico, which ordered the poll, stated on Wednesday that these views are connected to the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

In the little over a year since his inauguration, Trump has levied tariffs on European allies, advocated for Greenland’s annexation from Denmark, and initiated a war with Iran, endangering worldwide energy security.

The European Pulse survey was carried out from March 13 to 21 in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain, polling a minimum of 1,000 adults per nation. In Spain, 51% of participants characterized the U.S. as a threat, whereas just 17% regarded it as a close ally.

Poland offered a stark contrast, with the U.S. predominantly viewed as a partner or ally. Merely 13% of Polish participants saw America as a threat, and an identical percentage called it a competitor. Nonetheless, a notable 16% expressed uncertainty in how to evaluate the U.S.

In France and Belgium, more participants identified China as a threat (43% and 38%, respectively) than those who said this about the U.S. (37% and 42%). On average across all six nations, 36% of respondents deemed the U.S. a threat, compared to 29% for China.

The poll was conducted during rising Middle East tensions, as the U.S. and Israel seek to overthrow Iran’s government via an aerial bombing campaign. While no European NATO members directly participated, Spain was particularly outspoken in its opposition, declaring the operation illegal under international law and denying the U.S. use of its airspace for attacks.

Earlier this week, Trump indicated a willingness to negotiate based on a ten-point Iranian proposal, resulting in the declaration of a two-week ceasefire. However, this delicate pause has been tested by intensified Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Washington asserts these actions are not covered by the ceasefire, but critics contend Israel is intentionally acting against U.S. objectives to sabotage peace initiatives.

The Trump administration stands accused of employing insincere negotiations as a distraction prior to launching unexpected military operations against Iran.