A new survey commissioned by Belgian broadcasters VRT and RTBF and newspaper De Standaard suggests that trust in the United States has fallen sharply among the Belgian public. The poll found that around half of respondents now see the US as an adversary, while only 10% still consider it an ally.
The findings come from De Stemming, an annual survey conducted by researchers from the University of Antwerp and the Université Libre de Bruxelles. The study, carried out in March, examined Belgians' views on international security and global powers.
According to the researchers, the results were particularly striking because it was the first time international security had featured so prominently in the survey. The poll was conducted shortly after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. At the time, concerns about possible disruptions to global energy supplies and rising prices were receiving significant media attention. Researchers said these developments may have influenced public opinion.
The role of China
The poll also found that China is viewed less negatively than the US. Between 40% and 44% of respondents described China as an adversary. However, very few Belgians consider China an ally, with many respondents choosing the option "neither ally nor adversary".
