There are large variations in European public support for the military campaign in Afghanistan, according to a new opinion poll.

In Britain, France and Germany there was strong backing for the decision to use troops in Afghanistan. But in the traditionally neutral countries the figure dropped dramatically, to just 26.5 per cent in favour in Ireland and five per cent in Finland.

The survey also shows that Tony Blair is given more credit by the public for his handling of the international security situation than other European leaders.

The European Union poll indicates 43.6 per cent of the British population think their government has handled the situation "very well" - compared with lower ratings of 24.6 per cent in Denmark, 15.7 per cent in Ireland and just 1.4 per cent in Portugal.

The survey also shows that significant numbers of Europeans fear that the "war on terror" could prompt reprisals in their own country.

One in three French citizens are fearful of a terrorist attack, compared with one in five in Ireland and just 16.7 per cent in the UK.

The survey of 1000 people was conducted across the 15 EU states between November 13 and November 23.