They didn’t win the war, but they do run Europe. They also pay the tab.
Not really. Especially not now that the German economy is imploding. Before they accounted for 20% of the EU economy, and about 28% of the Eurozone. But they aren’t paying for things anymore and are in deep trouble.
They no longer get to issue demands. Italy is buying Russian gas, just elected a nationalist who is personally in deep conflict with EU values. Push too hard and they may walk. The German green thing and Ukraine war has destroyed their ability to wield economic power.
By having the rest of the EU pay them lots of money.