This subject has been discussed extensively... Do a search on "Euro springs".
US spec had taller springs to meet dumb US regulations.
Euro ride height is approximately 22mm lower.
The springs themselves are about 13mm shorter that the US one.
The shocks are the same.
Hence, the US aligment specs are comparable to the Euro standard GOLF.
This affects not only ride height but overall handling noticeably.
Or you can check out this thread:
http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103&page=2
Someone should lock this thread now.