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The Germans were effectively neutered in '45.  Partially by being occupied by the Soviets and the Western Allies, but mostly by having a lot of young men lying dead between Berlin and Moscow.  
Modern Germany couldn't lead a Girl Scout Troop across a playground.  They're a has-been power like Spain and the Netherlands, whose primary national defense is the United States.  What Germany says carries the weight of a pillow.
"The leader of Europe" my ass