WASHINGTON: A majority of people in 17 countries say it would be positive for Europe to have more influence in world affairs than the United States, whose influence is viewed negatively in 15 countries, according to a poll released on Thursday.

A plurality in three countries also shared the desire to see Europe have more influence, according to the survey conducted in 23 countries by the international polling firm GlobeScan with the University of Maryland’s Program on International Policy Attitudes.

“On average, across all countries polled, 58 per cent favour Europe becoming more influential than the US in world affairs,” the poll said. Excluding European countries, 53 per cent agree.

“Our research shows that Europe’s star has risen as America’s reputation has declined under the Bush Administration,” said Doug Miller, President of GlobeScan.

“The most highly regarded individual country is France, which is seen as having a positive influence in 21 countries — 58 per cent on average, with 20 per cent seeing a mainly negative influence,” the survey showed.—AFP