> Why do individual European countries seem so obsessed with blocking Pirate sites?

Ask the Disney Cooperation.

A facetious, but true, remark that describes the influence the large American media companies can have in combating piracy over here. Sir should recall the pressure the USA put on Sweden to close down the Pirate Bay; a Swedish site running in Sweden.

Not all European countries have media markets dominated by American conglomerates. European conglomerates gladly lobby as much as American ones.

In France's case, it's French conglomerates like Bolloré, Lagardère, Illiad, Dassault, and LVMH that dominate media IP ownership.

In Spain, it's Grupo Planeta and Burlesconi owned Fininvest that dominate IP ownership.

In Italy, it's Burlesconi owned Fininvest that dominates IP ownership.