Well .. whilst I hate the routine jingoistic 'bashing' of foreign ATC, which assumes an odious air of natural superiority from us in Northern Europe, I do have repetitive experiences breathtakingly bizarre controlling at one major Iberian airport.
The latest one was when we were told to reduce speed to 190kts. We told them on base leg we would need to reduce further. Plate says 160 to 4 on final, and we were in a heavy 757 with a tailwind on the approach (at this airport they never seem to take the wind aloft into account) calm on the RW. A cheerful "Roger" was the reply. Started to reduce to 160 to meet their own published speed control and at 6 miles we were told to increase speed to 190 again!
Huh??? ... beg pardon?? Anyone heard of stabilisation criteria? I mean, when they ask you to maintain 190 downwind, do they seriously expect us maintain that speed to touch down ????!!!!