Storch you are both right and wrong, many Europeans would look to America and see certain things they would like for their own country. I for one would like to see certain things done the 'American way'. But to be fair, when I look to France, Spain, Australia etc I would see things to envy there too. I daresay, Americans would look to aspects of Europe they would like too.
In fact you are wrong about Americans moving to Europe. According to the US embassy here, there are 100,000 Americans resident in Ireland. Many are permanent, some are returned Irish with US citizneship. But it's still a lot. Other European countries no doubt have higher numbers. And yes there is the phenomenom of the American illegal alien:O I've met a few.
As for the Irish illegals in the US. They are no longer escaping poverty and oppression back home. Most are in it for the adventure and the 'land of opportunity'. They should come home. Can't say that for the Russians though. The immigration system in the US is skewed anyway and seems to favour non Europeans. But that is a problem for you guys.
In fact the EU is seen as a 'land of opportunity' by many in Eastern Europe and elsewhere. We have a small problem with Romanian, Russian, African and South American illegal immigrants believe it or not.
You are completely wrong about economic goings on not affecting goings on in Europe or elsewhere. Have you forgotten the Wall street crash of 1929. That plunged Europe into depression too. The US economy is so big and powerful that when it coughs we all get blown over. The economies of Europe and the US are completely intertwined and dependant on each other.
It's too easy to think negatively about the relationship between Europe or more specifically parts of Europe and the USA. Like many I have a positive view of America and Americans based on my experiences. I imagine Americans have similiar experiences. But you can't insult me by saying Europe is crap because Europe is not a country and I don't gaze proudly on the blue flag of Europe. You simply cannot generalise about Europeans because we are all very different.