Separation of power and democracy at work. This is why, at least within the context of the EU, you cannot say “Germany did this” or “Germany is in favour of that“. When it comes to data retention German politicians don’t have a uniform view. You can’t even say that they are clearly opposed. Most probably want some kind of data retention (but it’s a complex issue that is passionately fought, so this is taking time).

On the EU level “Germany” was very much pushing for data retention and a big reason why it passed in the first place (while some other parts of “Germany” were very much against data retention and worked against it on the EU level).

It’s wrong and misleading to talk about the EU abstractly – as is frequently done, especially in the media. If decisions are made on the national level all different opposing views are shown in detail and points of contention are discussed at length – but the EU apparently hands down laws like god on Mount Sinai. But that’s very clearly not what happens.

The EU has many faults and is far from perfect, but one easy fix for many issues would be better and more thorough media coverage. To me this is also very much a failure of journalism. If no one portrays the conflicts and discussions in the decision making process then that’s very bad. The decision making process has to be scrutinised and the people have to be given a chance to protest. But if the media is unable to do it that just won’t happen.

Because the decision making process is on the EU level very much is long-winded and complicated, with dozens of different views on any given topic and many people who have a say. There would be lots to cover.