> What does it say about progress that the same laws that protect human rights also stifle innovation?

Perhaps it merely says that certain good positive things stifle other good, positive things?

Having 24 languages is a good, positive thing for the EU's cultural distinctiveness, respect for citizens' heritage, and the fairness of the nexus of power not excluding speakers of any country's language.

And yet it's a major barrier to cross-border trade, military cooperation, popular support of closer political ties, and the prospects of any EU companies growing large enough to counterbalance the amazons and facebooks of the world.

A ban on cracking eggs serves the interests of eggs, while stifling the omelette industry.