LeftHeadingNorth is spot on!
There are 3 issues in European aviation that need to be delt with, the way I see things.. First of all, there is a great need for better legislation from EASA on several matters (SSTRs, P2F, FTLs). Without legislation, the MOLs and BKs of the industry can basically say "bend over" to fly for us.
Secondly, there is no real way for newbies to gain real world hands on experience in Europe. There are practically no small operators who employ no-timers, as well there are almost no flightschools for the instructor route. Compared to the US anyhow. Third, we, the pilots with descent jobs and are "protected" by ECA, iFALPA etc, need to put more pressure on the EASA and make them change their legislations for the better. A downward spiral indeed, and newbies, with a push from their flightschools, defend buying into commercial aviation with false information. You can't really fault them because they know no better and are clearly misguided. At the same time, it is the practise of buying a TR and/or hours commercially, is largely to blame. Stand together indeed, and we were so close last spring. There were approximately 38000 unionized pilots willing to back NPF for the greater benefit in the long term, but NPF blew it. When the next confrontation comes knocking, I wouldn't be surpised if they won't get the same benefit.