Austrians reject a permanent US military presence in the country

The majority of Austrians (68.9 percent). against one permanent presence of US troops in the country, according to a survey by the Democracy Perception Index. Austria is the second most opposed EU member state, only in Sweden are more people (70.1 percent) against stationing the US military. At the other end of the spectrum is Poland with a majority of supporters (51 percent).

In addition to Austria: EU majority against US military presence

The majority of EU countries are against a permanent US military presence. In Hungary, 68.5 percent, the third highest figure in the EU, also reject this. In addition, the majority in France, Germany, Spain and Italy see the United States as either a competitor or as threat an.

The data supports Poland’s position as one of the most pro-American Countries of Europe, commented the news portal Politico in an analysis. More than half of Poles support a permanent U.S. military presence, while only 23 percent oppose it.

Only a few countries with strong support

Globally, only a handful of countries recorded strong support for the U.S. bases, with Israel leading the way with 48.9 percent in favor (versus 27.7 percent opposed), followed by South Korea at 41 percent to 26.6 percent and Romania with a closer result of 39.8 percent to 37.3 percent.

The global survey was conducted between March and April in 98 countries, including 17 EU member states.