Concerns over international developments are soaring across Europe, according to a recent survey published in the French magazine Le Grand Continent. Citizens increasingly view Russia as the greatest threat, while simultaneously expressing deep skepticism toward U.S. policy—with a significant share labeling Donald Trump an “enemy of Europe.”

Widespread Worry
The survey, conducted by Cluster 17 across nine EU countries, found that 51% of Europeans believe the risk of Russia engaging in war with their country in the coming years is “elevated” or “very high.” Concern varies sharply by country: in Poland, 77% see a heightened risk, while in France and Germany the figure hovers just above 50%. In Italy, by contrast, 65% consider the threat of war to be low or nonexistent.

Europeans appear far less concerned about China, with 81% deeming an armed conflict there unlikely in the near future. According to Le Grand Continent, this underscores that Russia remains—at least in the public eye—the most serious and immediate state threat.

This perception is accompanied by widespread doubts about the EU’s defensive capabilities. Nearly seven in ten respondents (69%) believe their country could not repel a Russian attack. The French express the most optimism, likely linked to their nuclear arsenal, whereas Belgians, Italians, and Portuguese show near-total lack of confidence in their national defense.

Trump: “Enemy of Europe”
At the same time, the findings reveal growing distrust of the United States, particularly regarding U.S. President Donald Trump. Almost half of Europeans (48%) consider the U.S. president an “enemy of Europe.”

The survey also highlights broader trends: the majority of respondents perceive immigration as a threat to social cohesion, and a significant portion support reducing public spending and the number of civil servants.