Most Germans think Europe can look after itself

A majority of Germans think Europe can defend itself without military support from the United States, a poll has shown. Only 37 per cent of respondents said they believed Europe depended on US military help, the Forsa poll showed.

 

It came less than two weeks after Donald Trump said he could withdraw support for Nato if Europe did not share more of what he called an unfair burden on US taxpayers funding the alliance.

 

The survey found no significant difference between eastern and western German regions, the latter of which have stronger ties to the United States. In the east, 60 per cent thought Europe did not need Washington, and in the west, 55 per cent.

 

On 12 July, Mr Trump issued his ultimatum to European allies, urging the continent to spend more on defence if it wants to continue to receive American protection.

 

Source: Most Germans think Europe can look after itself without help from US, finds poll | The Independent