from the article (my bold):
Standardising rules
At the moment, the rules for UK airlines are set by the regulator and are some of the toughest in the world. But airlines from other European countries operate under their own rules.
Not only that, but the rise of low-cost airlines has changed the way the industry works. For example, their crews will do far more take-offs and landings within their hours than pilots on long-haul flights, who spend more time cruising on autopilot.
So the European authorities want to standardise regulations across the continent.
Notice how the rules are managed to the lowest common denominator.
Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Mutual Recognition with New Zealand) Act 2006 will allow airlines to engage in regulatory arbitrage to the lowest common standard within the Australian / NZ zone.