The main difference between North America and Europe with regards to lubricant recommendations is that the European market generally runs a higher viscosity lubricant. It is not uncommon to find 5W-40's and even 10W-60 lubricants in vehicles. 15W-40 is very common in the mineral oil category.
Typical drain intervals in Europe is 10,000 Km (6200 mile) but of course this is dependent upon manufacturer and driving style just as it is in NA.
The main difference between NA and EU is that the EU doesn't have Jiffy Lube brain washing the motoring public into believing that lubricant technology and manufacturing processes have not advanced at all since the 1950's.
In Europe just as in NA, the government is pushing for much cleaner and environmentally friendly fluids. 0W-30 extended drain oils are currently being formulated and recommended in many newer engines with extended drain capability (oil life monitors).
If a company advertises that their oils need to be changed at 3000 mile intervals then it is a safe bet that their additive package is very weak. I will not mention brand names but there are some very strong 'uncommon' brands on the market and at least one of the major brands is truly a 3000 mile fluid.
Read the packaging, compare the standards that the oils have been tested to and use that as a baseline. If a fluid meets only the API's rating then keep in mind that every $.89 bottle of oil at the local dime store also meets that specification. Don't get too hung up on basestocks. In general, if a oil meets the European mfgr's extended drain/longlife recommendations then you can bet that the additive package is very strong. (eg: BMW LL-01, SAAB GM-LL).