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New poll: Most Europeans see Russia as an adversary

2023-07-03 18:29:48, Kosova & Bota CNA

After the aggression in Ukraine, many Europeans now see Russia as an adversary country. This is the conclusion of a survey with 16 thousand people in 11 member countries of the European Union. As Voice of America correspondent Henry Ridgwell reports from London, Europeans seem to have a more favorable opinion of China.

According to the survey of the European Council on Foreign Relations almost two-thirds of Europeans now see Russia as an adversary country. This is double the number of 2021.

Respondents were also asked about Europe's future relationship with Moscow. About half of respondents wanted relationships to be limited - but with differences.

"There are countries like Poland, where there is a very strong feeling to cut off all relations with Russia, even if a negotiated peace is reached. While there are countries like Bulgaria, Hungary, or Austria, as well as Germany, where there is a strong enough feeling to restore all cooperation relations with Russia after the end of the war", says Pawel Zerka with the European Council on Foreign Relations .

Some European leaders — notably French President Emmanuel Macron — have called for Europe to create "strategic autonomy" — the ability to defend itself independently of the United States.

Almost three-quarters of respondents say that Europe cannot always rely on the United States for its security.

"You can interpret this, of course, as a sign that Europeans are not trusting Americans as much as they used to. And in that sense, perhaps the presidency of Donald Trump has had consequences that continue in this relationship. But there can be a more sympathetic interpretation, according to which – simply because of the war in Ukraine – Europeans are now more willing to take responsibility for their own security,” says Pawel Zerka.

The survey also looked at Europeans' attitudes towards China.

"People still tend to see China more as a partner of Europe and not as a rival country, or an adversary, even though a clear majority in every country we surveyed recognizes China as an ally of Russia," says Mr. Zerka .

However, most Europeans oppose the idea of ??Chinese ownership of key infrastructure.

About 41 percent of respondents said that if China gives Russia weapons, the EU should impose sanctions on Beijing - even if this would harm Western economies./ VOA