NATO has rarely been out of the headlines in recent years. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year, has kept the alliance at the centre of European security debates. At the same time, US President Donald Trump’s second term has brought unprecedented internal strain: threats to seize Greenland from Denmark, annex Canada, and repeated warnings that Washington might leave the alliance altogether.
Yet, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center, public opinion across NATO member states remains broadly favourable. The survey, conducted in 13 countries, found that most citizens hold a positive view of the organisation. Poland leads with 78% approval, followed by Sweden (74%), Germany (73%), and Hungary (72%). Outside Europe, Canada (67%) and the United States (57%) also show majority support.
Divergent Views Across the Alliance
Not all members are equally enthusiastic. In Spain, opinion is almost evenly split: 48% unfavourable versus 44% favourable. More strikingly, clear majorities in Greece and Turkey—both 59%—view NATO negatively. These figures reflect long-standing tensions: Greece has historically clashed with Turkey over Aegean and Cyprus issues, while Ankara’s relationship with the alliance has been strained by its purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems and its military operations in Syria.
Year-on-year changes also reveal shifting attitudes. Positive opinions have declined in France (−7%), Italy (−6%), and the US (−3%), but increased in Greece (+8%). The Greek uptick may be linked to NATO’s renewed focus on eastern Mediterranean security and joint exercises with other member states.
Demographic and Political Divides
The survey uncovers significant internal differences. In the United States, partisan affiliation is a strong predictor: 75% of Democrats view NATO favourably, compared with just 42% of Republicans—a gap that mirrors the Trump administration’s scepticism toward the alliance. In Hungary, age is a key factor: 87% of adults aged 18–34 have a positive opinion, versus 64% of those 50 and older. Similar generational patterns appear in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the US.
These findings suggest that younger Europeans, who have grown up in a post-Cold War era of relative stability, may be more open to international cooperation. Older cohorts, by contrast, might recall earlier periods of tension or hold more nationalist views.
Russia and Putin: Deeply Unpopular
The Pew study also examined attitudes toward Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Across all surveyed NATO members, unfavourable views of Russia dominate. The strongest negative sentiment is in Sweden (94%), Poland (86%), and the Netherlands (85%). Turkey is the only country where opinions are nearly balanced: 49% unfavourable versus 47% favourable—a reflection of Ankara’s complex relationship with Moscow, including energy imports and diplomatic engagement.
Confidence in Putin is similarly low. Majorities in every European country surveyed lack trust in him to act responsibly on the world stage. The lowest confidence ratings are in Poland, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands. Even in Turkey, Greece, and Hungary—where Putin’s approval is highest—only 39%, 35%, and 33% respectively express confidence.
Divided on Zelenskyy
Views of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are more mixed, despite NATO’s continued support for Kyiv. Swedes (83%), Britons (68%), and the Dutch (67%) are most likely to express confidence in his leadership. Conversely, Hungarians (78%), Greeks (75%), and Turks (70%) are most likely to say they lack confidence. This split mirrors broader geopolitical divides within the alliance, particularly Hungary’s close ties to Russia and Greece’s and Turkey’s more cautious stances on Ukraine.
The survey underscores that while NATO enjoys broad public backing, its cohesion is tested by divergent national interests and domestic politics. As the alliance grapples with Russia’s war and internal US pressure, maintaining public support will require addressing these fractures. For more on EU security efforts, see our coverage of Greece blocking EU sanctions on Russian LNG and Von der Leyen’s Kyiv visit.
