sorry but you are wrong. it´s true that europe serious lacks transport capabilities (and the will to fight wars somewhere around the globe) we are not able to deploy many troops outside europe. but you don´t need this for defence.
russia would encounter thousands of tanks untill their troops would reach portugal (the most western point of europe). this is not possible. (btw. the EU has about 2 million troops under arms). only the US spends more on the military (a lot more) then the EU. russia has no chance to match the numbers really. true one single european country is no match for russia. but the whole EU? no way. and for the nuclear weapons you do know that france and the UK are members of the EU do you? and a last point france told years before that they will use their nuclear umbrella
to protect EU countries. don´t be stuck in cold war times. it has changed a lot.
Uhh yes I know they are part of the EU. What Im saying has to do with airpower. They could easily achieve air dominance over the EU if the US doesnt help. Once you achieve air dominance the amount of tanks is moot, and you can assert your will below against a much higher populated enemy.