Europeans overwhelmingly back creation of EU army amid fears of war with Russia

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Nearly three in four Europeans support the creation of an EU army, according to new polling, as the US considers a significant withdrawal of its forces from Europe.

The 2026 GLOBSEC Trends report, surveying 14 countries, found that support for the united army was strong as concerns also grow about how Russia’s war in Ukraine could continue to spread across Europe.

Europe would not turn its back on the Nato alliance, however, with some 78% of Europeans supporting remaining in the alliance.

The survey saw significant support (71%) for the European army across several member states, including 82% in Romania, 78% in Lithuania, and 75% in France.

Latvia (73%), Estonia (71%), Bulgaria (70%) and Poland (70%) were the next most positive of the surveyed countries.

Support for an army is “stronger along the Eastern Flank, as well as in France”, the report said. In Germany, historically more wary of deeply integrated defence, around 69% supported a European army.

It follows suggestions in recent months that the US could withdraw up to one third of its forces stationed in Europe, according to NBC News.

A total of 78% of respondents agreed that the EU should develop its own defence capabilities alongside Nato.

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