Upright European reportedly ruined (5)

I believe the answer is:

erect

'upright' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for erect that I've seen before include "Rigidly upright" , "Build, upright" , "Build, set up" , "Crete (anag)" , "Assemble" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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