Still doesn't change the fact that there are multitudes of none ICAO compliant out there.
Once you get up to ATPL level the number drops off I think the UK did have one for some years though.
But for wannabies it makes a huge difference what PPL they have and from which authority. And as the UK accepts ICAO compliant PPL's as a precursor for CPL modular course if they choose the wrong one they are knackard.
I believe the Indian CPL for example is none compliant.
It won't really effect most EU operations but once you are out of the EU you have to be pretty canny what folk are turning up with. There are also insurance implications as well.