What the h_ll is the matter with the EU? Instead of offering prayers, assistance and condolences they offer condemnation. I am so blessed my parents left that pathetic excuse for a government. Thank you Dad and Mom. I can now see how Hitler took over. Have they not learned anything? Appeasement DOES NOT work. I realize that Western Europe (except Britain?) is in it's death spiral, but the have no shame. I truly believe that within the next two generations, that it will be the USA and China, as major players and Western Europe as, at best a second world economy. My only prayer is they see the error of their ways, before it is too late.
I don't much care at this point if the EU sees the error of their ways. They've chosen, let them deal with the consequences.
The EU's reaction is one of fear; they are terrified of their own growing Mohammedan population, which is very radical, and hope that by throwing some one else to them, it will buy them off (Not). What we have to realize here is that these lowlifes targeted the children of people like us: I have been to Russia numerous times and they are much closer to Americans in thought and lifestyle than the prissy Europeans. These are hardworking, decent people who don't have much money but who do place emphasis on the important things in life: children, family, schooling, religion. The first day of school in Russia is very important: children bring flowers for the teachers, who are highly respected and the parents generally accompany them to school. I am so angry with the dimwit talking heads (PBS had two last night) and the apologists on this site citing some "historical basis" for these outrageous mass murders of children. Its like saying Charles Manson was justified in his butchery because the owner of Sharon Tate's house wouldn't buy his records.
To answer your first question, they are trying to be more relevant than the French.