A recent survey conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations has revealed a significant shift in public sentiment in the U.K. and EU towards closer ties ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The majority of Britons (55%) now believe that the U.K. should realign with the EU under a second Trump term, prioritizing stronger relations with Brussels over the U.S. (17%). This sentiment is mirrored across EU countries, with pluralities of respondents, especially in Germany and Poland, supporting closer ties with the U.K.
The study, which polled more than 9,000 people across six European countries, indicates a growing desire on both sides of the channel to cooperate more closely on trade and security. In the U.K., respondents see improved ties assisting with key priorities around migration, security, and the economy, while Europeans are open to granting the U.K. “special access” to the EU single market and research programs in exchange for greater security cooperation.
However, concerns have been raised about potential consequences, particularly around national security and future trade tariffs. President-elect Trump has previously suggested that the EU could face new trade levies to address trade imbalances. While the U.K. hopes to leverage its “special relationship” with the U.S., experts warn that it may face “binary choices” between aligning with the U.S. or the EU on key policy issues.
Former prime minister of Denmark and ECFR board trustee, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, emphasized the importance of maintaining close ties with both the U.S. and the EU. She noted that the current geopolitical landscape presents an opportunity for the U.K. to leverage its position and seek improved relations with the EU.
Overall, the survey highlights a growing appetite for collaboration between the U.K. and the EU, but also underscores the need for strategic decision-making in navigating potential trade tensions and policy alignment under a new Trump administration. The evolving dynamics between the U.K., EU, and the U.S. will play a critical role in shaping future diplomatic relations and trade agreements in the coming years.
