"There is an anti-IP zeitgeist in Europe that has been around for a number of years. It manifests itself in many ways, but can be seen clearly in issues such as the patentability of computer implemented inventions and biotechnology, access to medicine and green technology, copyrights on the internet and ACTA. There is a debate to be had about the extent to which IP rights should or should not be granted in Europe, but right now that debate is very one sided becasue no-one is making the case for IP. Even the Commission has an extremely split stance on the matter. Some DGs tell us how important it is for Europe to create and protect IP, while the Competition DG takes every opportunity it can to rein in the rights of successful IP owners."
Source: http://www.iam-magazine.com/blog/Detail.aspx?g=abe34824-b73c-4277-98d8-0142aa2109db