The EU governments got together on January 11th to condemn the attack on Charlie Hebdo. However, they concluded that the best response is to curtail freespeech, ramp up propaganda, increase surveillance on citizens, and place a ban on the types of things Charlie Hebdo published.

Here's more detail. In their Joint Statement they concluded that:

The attack on Charlie Hebdo was a bad thing (very bold of them). To protect free speech we must curtail it: "With this in mind, the partnership of the major Internet providers is essential to create the conditions of a swift reporting of material that aims to incite hatred and terror and the condition of its removing, where appropriate or possible." Force ISPs to shut down, spy on, or block access to websites deemed objectionable by EU ministries. All members of the EU should increase their use of psychological operations and propaganda. In particular, the EU should use the "Syria Strategic Communication Advisory Team" (built on UK Home Office psyops expertise ) set up in Belgium when possible.



The EU should increase internal advertising to increase sensitivity to human rights and values of a diverse population (aka avoid the type of "hate speech" that Charlie Hebdo published).



The crack down of firearms should be intensified. Existing firearms laws didn't have any impact on this attack. The attackers were well armed. Perhaps more aggressive laws will fix that.



The EU should coordinate with the US on cyber initiatives to develop a more comprehensive way to track, screen, and detain global travellers.

PS: Clearly, the Red Queen isn't just leading France down the rabbit hole. David Cameron, not to be outdone, is using Charlie Hebdo as an excuse to introduce his "snoopers charter." It's a law that will ban private, encrypted communication in the UK (like what we see on snapchat and whatsapp).

PPS: Why is the EU responding this way? The EU is an organization composed of hollow states. Hollow states don't snoop on you to protect you. They snoop on you because they believe YOU are the enemy.