Why is Europe being sidelined in negotiations with Russia?

Europe is being sidelined in negotiations with Russia because it hasn't pulled its weight in European security. According to Gabriel Narona, European nations have failed to spend sufficient money on defense and haven't provided adequate support to Ukraine, leaving them without leverage at the negotiating table. Despite Russia tripling its military spending, Europe has not matched these investments. This lack of commitment over the past decade has direct consequences, as Europe now lacks the negotiating chips needed to influence talks with Putin. Europe is realizing these mistakes too late, finding itself excluded from critical security discussions affecting its own region.