It's not EU, it's Schengen. So it includes non-EU Schengen area countries like Switzerland, and does not include EU non-Schengen area countries like Ireland.
Americans are literally called Americans despite the fact that America is two vast continents, and yet this whole thread is full of people complaining of this article saying "Europe" instead of "Schengen area".
In the same way, the title should say "US citizens" then?
Its a purely selfless act by citizens from outside of the americas.
Heads would explode if Americans realised that Mexicans to Chilleans were also American.
It's also the meaning that's starting to shift - for many in France "Europe" means the EU, not the continent. Like the Brits who talk about "us and Europe".
Yesterday I passed passport control at Amsterdam airport and was told by the attendant "European passports" should use the automated kiosks. I queued and got to the machine, and after scanning my passport it told me I need to queue again in the "non EU" line. Lesson learnt.