Is there really? Governments routinely go against the ECHR and the ECJ, and do nothing to rectify past violations when ruled against.

On a national level, sure.

The baseline level of freedom of speech in the EU, in particular, is much, much worse than in the US. We’re talking about a group of countries with active, enforced blasphemy laws! Completely unthinkable for Americans.

For now – the EU is one AfD win away from following in America's footsteps.