EASA has an objective to achieve a high uniform level of safety across the EU. Unfortunately it is staffed largely by bureaucrats who know little of aviation or by ex engineering QA folks from the airlines.
They believe that as long as the paperwork is uniform and consistent their goal will automatically be achieved.
Yes you know that's nonsense and I know that's nonsense but anyone who has met a ISO 9000 or health and safety consultant will have seen the syndrome and Cologne is staffed almost entirely by such folks as far as I can make out.