IMO, the EU was extremely complacent prior to the conflict.
Just a complete lackluster approach to what was turning into a very big problem with them being so dependent on Russian gas.
The conflict changed a lot of that, made them work together, and countries that previously weren't part of NATO, or were even on the conversation are now likely to join. That is a win for NATO & the US, who has been lobbying for years to get NATO countries to take European security more serious. So whether or not it happens on their own volition NOW is irrelevant. It never would have happened prior to the conflict.
And if you think the US isn't playing this to their advantage, go look at how the theatre has changed in the South China Sea the past 5-10 years in terms of US presence. Pretty clear what mandate they are following. And I'm not saying it is right or wrong, but rather that people understand how the biggest player in the room is operating.
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