According to a survey by the British research firm Public First, 22% of Estonians said that if their country is attacked, it is acceptable to receive help from outside Europe. This means US assistance. The European average was 14%. More supporters were also found in Denmark (20%), Slovenia, and Ireland (both 19%).
In Estonia, few people thought the country should manage alone in case of an attack. The European average was 33%, while in Estonia it was 28%. Fewer supporters were found in Denmark (17%), Slovenia (23%), Belgium (25%), and the Netherlands (26%).
In Estonia, 41% said help should come only from Europe. The European average was the same. Politico wrote that small countries and those bordering Russia have more doubts about their country's defense capabilities.
72% of Bulgarians, 70% of Romanians and Danes, and 61% of Estonians believed their country could not defend itself alone. In Finland, 76% believed the country could defend itself. Only 14% doubted this. Finland is a NATO member and has a strong military.
In Europe, 58% said their country could not defend itself alone. 27% believed the opposite. Politico noted that US President Trump has made it harder for NATO members to trust US assistance.
NATO Article 5 states that if one member is attacked, others must help. But many fear that Russia may attack Europe. The US wants European countries to spend more on defense.
European countries still buy US weapons and depend on US assistance. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Europe cannot defend itself without the US. This angered many.
Politico said the survey reflects Rutte's concerns. ERR reported that many US soldiers have left Estonia. The survey was conducted from June 6 to 22 in 24 countries. Nearly 24,000 people participated.