More than half of the Belgian population now views the United States as an adversary rather than an ally [1].
This shift in perception signals a potential breakdown in the traditional diplomatic and security relationship between Belgium and the U.S. As trust declines, the sentiment reflects a broader desire for European autonomy in the face of global instability.
According to data from a De-Stemming survey, between 50% [2] and more than 50% [1] of Belgians perceive the U.S. as an opponent. This negative view of the United States is reported to be stronger than the negative image held toward China [1].
Conversely, very few citizens maintain a positive outlook on the relationship. Only 10% of Belgians still view the U.S. as a partner or ally [2].
Analysts said this trend is driven by a growing demand for a militarily and economically independent Europe. This movement toward strategic autonomy contributes to the eroding confidence in the U.S. as a reliable security guarantor, a shift that could alter how Belgium interacts with NATO and other transatlantic frameworks.
The data highlights a stark contrast in how the Belgian public perceives global powers. While China has long been viewed with suspicion in Western Europe, the U.S. now faces a more acute crisis of trust within the Belgian population [1].
“More than half of the Belgian population now views the United States as an adversary”
The decline in trust toward the U.S. in Belgium suggests a pivot toward European strategic autonomy. If a majority of the population views a primary security partner as an adversary, it may create political pressure on Belgian leadership to diversify economic ties and reduce military reliance on Washington, potentially weakening the cohesion of the transatlantic alliance.
