Of course you're right. Small states fill the gap left by the vacuum created by the big ones. And it's generally not a bad thing if everyone concentrates on something else. Good thing is: we're allies. But ultimately, it all cost money. And it's not any cheaper for Czechs and Balts either.

If we look at Germany's potential then it has much more power than all the others put together. Problem is that we often like to focus on ourselves and convince ourselves that our problems are the most important in the world. But that's a political problem.

In my experience, this knot is currently being untangled (Hopefully, I'm not just telling myself that). At least, that's what I'm hearing from the Bundeswehr Procurement Agency in Koblenz. Because it's in our national interest to lead Europe – otherwise we'll simply go down.

But hey, we're Germans, after all: we talk about everything for years first. Even when there's no time. But as you all know: it's not as if Germany has historically been a particularly peaceful country. That has changed and it can change again. Unfortunately, it feels like it's taking forever.

Enough said, but one last thing: I believe in the Finnish military capabilities for sure. I visited the oldest sauna in the country in Helsinki once, and since then I've known that Finns are the toughest people around. 😁 I would never start a war with you. Happy we're brothers and sisters in arms.

Yes very valid points ! But you know that for us in Finland the ”peace dividend” was that second hand military kit was incredibly cheap - among other things we bought Leos from Germany for less than a million per tank 😉

Of course Europe needs a strong and reliable Germany. It’s literally in the middle of the continent after all ! So I really hope that the right things will be done now - and that everything gets done fast enough… it’s unfortunately not Germany’s strong suit, just like you say.