> Probably more desirable to live in then even california.

Southern europe isn't california. The mediterranean isn't the pacific ocean.

There is a third option. Increase military spending in the short term, but also be intentional about supporting immigration of younger, skilled workers from China and Russia (both whose fertility rates are below replacement rate and continuing to fall rapidly). Short term, military spending contains these countries with the threat of physical force, long term, you’re “stealing” (for lack of a better term) their productive future workers for someplace with (arguably) more stable, better governments and living situations (it’s not a secret those with means have been fleeing these regimes). This further handicaps the countries I mentioned on a go forward basis, allowing for (potentially) a decline in military spending over time.

EU countries have much better militaries that Russia does if thet can act in unison. In fact recent events show just how linited Russian powess are.

Also we are not doing enough to support ukraine, after 100 days of hand wrangling we decided to supply missile systems