

Well, for one, now that the economic pressure to stay on America’s good side in terms of Liberal (i.e. what passes for Liberal nowadays) minutiae has been mostly eliminated, public support of things which would oppose America’s interests has become less taboo.
Also, yes, the joke was that America left Europe’s sphere of influence, and now Europe can speak its mind.
I honestly don’t think I am. They are both affected by the same elements, although degrees may vary.
Let’s not forget the at times almost resentful detachment from all things American which has been sweeping Europe (and I’m not criticising it, don’t get me wrong), and an increase in the prevalence of opinions which are in opposition to America is to be expected as well, both in the people and the politics (one feeds the other, always).