Why can't Europe defend itself?

[Louis VI the Fat]

I cannot believe this thread has had legs...

A more serious question would be: 'Should European nations have more force projection capabilities?', which is highly debatable.

Much of Europe should scale back its defense spending. 1.5 percent should suffice, with possible exceptions for France and the UK, who need to project power globally for reasons of prestige.

Everything above 1 / 1.5 % is strategic waste. There is no short term need for more. For Europe's midterm safety, the money was better spend on maternity leave, or education, or healthcare, or the environment. For Europe's long term safety, well, we gave up on thinking like that ages ago.