TWR
The difference is maybe that in Europe the emphasis is more towards career flying while in the USA GA has always been far more prominant.
Many areas of Europe have had negligable GA and the politics are not motivated towards rich men and their toys as many would see it.
Like any professional Career whether its being a doctor vet etc there should be some sort of university degree and in some ways the ground studies appear to be an attempt at creating a quasi university degree in flying for professional pilots.
Where does that leave the PPL in Europe? I am afraid the PPL in Europe doesnt really figure much in the equation and is eyed as the lowest of the low and that probably poses the biggest problem of all.
Pace