Needless to say, Europe has a very weird and complex relation with war and conflicts in general, specially if those conflicts happen within Europe itself.
Sure, Europe has a very unique opportunity to develop their defense industry and be less dependant of the United States and be able to defend themselves, but I am skeptical Europe (specially Germany) would develop their defense industry as fast as it is required to hold the advance of Russia and it's allies against western democracies. Increasing a their military dubget won't be enough they need to form a true European alliance beyond Nato and not to count on the USA for support.
Perhaps Canada could also be part of this new alliance, but unfortunately nobody spends as much money in their military as the USA.
US makes a lot of noise, but bear in mind that Sweeden and Finland, before becoming NATO, were counting on their combined armies to stop Ruzzia. And they probably can.
If you have one hour
you can see this video. This is little known information but there is more NATO outside the US than in the US.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7giYIisLuaAAfter Von dr Leyen announced a massive economic injection in the EU's army and the new Chancellor of Germany elected is clearly in favour of having a strong and influential self-defence force in Europe, there is a chance to re-build the EU army.
EU has relatively low tolerance for human loses and it is highly mechanised. Since the Auto industry in Germany is not going that well, one could argue that this autonomous, very silent and electrical powered tank may be the adequate stuff. I mean, to develop something similar with native European technology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhaawIbfqYEFrom this you can potentially go into bigger vehicles. Note that armour does not have to be as thick and heavy when you do not have people inside.
I am just hoping it will be more or less self sustained and supply line is inside EU, because we can't really trust US anymore. Producing everything inside EU would keep money inside EU too and create ton of jobs.
Also we could use those facilities to produce ton applications that could be used in war and peace time, like surveillance equipment. Weird time to be a pacifist while preparing for what's coming.
I wouldn't rule out that there will be other EU countries joining France and starting to build their nuclear weaponry. Because what Ukraine has taught us, is that there needs to be balance of power for Russia not to attack.
I would agree, the nuclear proliferation was conditional to the US covering Europe under their nuclear deterrent or "umbrella", however as things are, the US under Trump does whatever they see fit at whatever moment they see fit.
I would not be surprised if Trump undermines NATO progressively until there is nothing left. It will take Europe 5 years to get to the basic capabilities, particularly on intelligence and air defence, but there is no better moment to start than right here, right now.
