Unfortunately this easa thing is just a money making scam for training organisations ,the CAA and the government.There was no need AT ALL to change the JAR system...it's not like aeroplanes were falling out of the sky.Now after 3years you have to do a full type rating and fly the blinkin aeroplane round in circles for about 25K. It used to be a quick refresher course but hey 20% VAT to the government,training jobs and tax a bit more fees to the CAA,all adds up to increased GDP and growth.
Good luck if you want to get back into it but DON'T do an Airbus rating.