Berlin is expressing doubt about the European Union’s ability to withstand the rise of nationalist parties and the pressure from the Trump administration. This unprecedented skepticism in Germany has raised fears of lasting weakening, or even the gradual marginalization, of Europe as it exists today.
The current day SPD isn’t ineffective nor cowardly, they are just good at faking tummy aches over implementing things that hurt the majority, but benefit the rich. Whenever there is an upcoming election, they’ll fake caring about the working class to get some votes, just to go back to their real neoliberal self when if they win.
Have a good look at German history and see who implemented the harshest social cutbacks in the post WW2 period.