I equate most of those Euro countries with the little Pekinese that lives next door. The dang thing runs to the edge of its lawn and yaps annoyingly every time you walk by. YAP YAP YAP. You can't shut it up.
If you take a step towards it, though, it runs for safety. As soon as you turn your back to it, YAP YAP YAP.
If another, bigger, dog comes on it's lawn, it stops yapping at you and runs between your leg for help.
Keep yapping, little Pekinese, we'll still be here when you need help again.