Europe by David Cerny - Controvercy?

It feels great when the word "art" comes up in the BBC headline news. I guess they find it valuable only when it has the potential of controversy. This is the title to the article at hand published today on the BBC website: Czech EU art stokes controversy. It showcases Europe by the Czech artist David Cerny. The Czech are to be the new presidency of the EU. The new presidency was sure they commissioned 27 artists from all EU countries to create an art piece that would hang at the European Council building in Brussels. Instead, this is what they got. Being a European and have travelled to many of the EU countries I find this case of art a very interesting one. David writes on his site "Self-reflection, critical thinking and the capacity to perceive oneself as well as the outside world with a sense of imny are the hallmarks of European thinking" - Really?
The so called 'truth' is many times not an easy one to face, yet it is important to consider no matter how subjective/objective it may be. Having the ability to laugh at yourself, and take in criticism is also a milestone in the process of advancement. On the other hand, everything should be done in an appropriate time and place, with respect to the individual and whole. Yet, isn't imbalance the main ingredient of balance?
Bulgaria, my birth country, is portrayed as a toilet, and definitely not a modern one. The first moment I saw the image it raised funny ridiculous memories of the many times I had to use one of those - later I realized how sad that reality actually was and still is, and how much more it says about the country. As controversial as this project may or may not be, I believe it deserves great attention for it holds some strong messages that we should all consider.