But we ARE within Russian sphere of influence. Keeping Europe as-is is one of the strongest means of continuing Cold War. Our top politicians are selected and financed by both sides precisely for keeping Europe unable to do anything. Thinking of EU as sovereign is naïve and almost childish. Please bring back the 1990s, being the hell they were on many fronts, they were also the only time in past century, where anything meaningful could have actually happened.
Discussion
I (somewhat) get the fear of Russia influence but let's compare the facts.
For past twenty years or so, what Russia achieved here? Blown up some ammunition storage and prevented building of US base?
EU is working continuously to destroy sovereignty of it's nations, destroying free market. Recently they very much supported medical tyranny and of course don't forget effortless work on destroying of all the industry and finance.
Sure Russia is using EU's ideas to their advantage but without EU (and US to be precise) idiotic ideas like Green deal, DEI and other shit they would have much less ammo.
This might be somewhat of a false argument—at least partially. What Russia managed to do here is not really that important. Instead, you need to look at what Russia did closer to home: inside Russia itself, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, etc. Consider how they handled Covid, or how their free market actually works. Then ask yourself if this is the direction you'd really like for us here.
The EU effectively ceased to exist the moment Covid hit. Schengen disappeared overnight, the internal European market was damaged, and each European country ended up applying its own blend of regulations and restrictions. The EU isn't prepared to handle a real crisis—it always defaults back to individual states. And because of that, I now expect a "coalition of the willing" to emerge and step in.
I do agree with your point that the EU has been consistently shooting itself in both legs for decades. I believe this was mostly done with good intentions (exactly the kind that pave the road to hell), and only somewhat nudged from outside. On the other hand, Germany shutting down its nuclear power plants clearly feels like an act of sabotage.
Pay most of your tribute/cut to Loydds of London ect., for goods via West European ports,
Or
Pay tribute to those managing alternative routes.
Pay to Caesar what is Caesar's