If "Old Europe" wants to be taken seriously and treated with respect...
then it must accept its share of the burden for its own defense. "Old Europe" is a toothless paper tiger, as proven during the 1990s with the way it "handled" the mess in Yugoslavia.
We spend tens of billions of dollars each year on Europe's defense. At least, we should get some respect for that. Instead, Old Europe comes across as a bunch of ingrates. Fine, they're entitled to their opinions. Guess what, so are we. If we decide to quit subsidizing your defense, that's our business.
I was stationed for 2 years in West Germany (78-80). I saw my share of "Yankee go home" signs. Fact is, there was nothing I would've liked more. I've done my part to protect Old Europe's sorry asses. Let them start carrying their share of the load for a change.