[MinorityRepublican]

The both cannot be accurate assessments.

Europe is weak due to the American hegemony as a result, they've spent all of their money on their generous welfare states.

Now they're realizing that they have to spend some $$$ on their military.

[Worldtraveler once upon a time]

Frau von der Leyen is now the head of the EU Commission, and so the Peter Principle of failing "up" is well demonstrated. Additionally, as she was Merkel's defense chief when the Germans had to train with broomsticks mimicking rifles, the "non-Peter" incompetency of these female and wholly political defense leaders spreads.

Here's some additional proof of German competency in this moment:

Bavarian police go pantless in uniform protest

Your observation about the "welfare" states of Western Europe having been subsidized for decades by US largesse is correct. And now, extending the "Peter" theme, it is time for Peter to pay Paul.

Our friends still in Germany and elswhere in northern Europe do NOT want their young adult children conscripted for the Ukraine "event."

[grobdriver]

"... but to really screw it up takes a woman!"