Re: 'Disappointed with Europe', please see recent FOIAs to the privacy body http://www.asktheeu.org/en/body/edps and subsequent to 'Home Affairs' (new EU body, ~immediately after introduction rubber-stamped US-friendly surveillance laws) at http://www.asktheeu.org/en/body/dg_home

EU had, and perhaps still has, the promise of a strong political body as a counter-balance to US and Chinese interests in the world. IMHO the promise is rapidly fading though, under what appears to be high-level influence and manipulation that demonstrably favours US-friendly outcomes. This is not a new phenomenon.

Tried to integrate results with Wikipedia, contacted the EFF, forwarded to journalists, nobody will write up the results. Trying reputable university-affiliated Wikinews journalists now. :/