Because airlines run Europe. They set the airspace like they want (like the silliness of class A to the ground etc) and they run how certification is done. There is no real GA in Europe. A new CPL can't build time anywhere, so the airlines set what suits them best - and that is underpaid apprenticeships in the form of MCL, cadets etc.
Only in Europe do you get guys time and time again that are ex-military to run the Civil Aviation Authority. They're just company men, looking out for them and the big boys only. Even the new GA department at CAA is run by an ex-mil. Is it any wonder?