Yes, the article is one year old, but still very relevant even for today.
Very true. It's good to see examples that many europeans support our efforts even though their spineless governments do not.
I think it was an indication of a change in sentiment in Germany. This was also about the time IIRC that Gerhard Schroeder's approval rating dropped. Now Angela Merkel is Chancellor. Call me optimistic, but I think there is a bit of a sea change in Germany.