That's the point of the EU - defend interests of the union of relatively small countries against giants like China. NATO is only suited for military action, and who knows how long it's going to last anyway.
Also, probably the point of whatever the fuck Russia is doing with the EAEU (really should've picked a better name if they want it to stick).
For one thing, Swedes are less and less excited by the stream of Middle Eastern migrants caused by American adventures there.