I understand that all commercial pilots must demonstrate that they can communicate with ATC to qualify as pilots. Ergo, all pilots meet or exceed a given standard for communication skills. I don't buy the argument that being qualified necessarily means that all pilots communicate well.

There's a range of capability in any profession. Qualified surgeons aren't all equally skilled - This is evident from the clinical outcomes. That doesn't mean that any of them should be disqualified (although, every so often it emerges that a practicing surgeon ought not to have qualified). And of course, organizations seek to raise standards through screening, training, testing, automation and so on. But even with all the training in the world, there will always be a range of skills. And any patient undergoing an operation would rather have the most skilled surgeon than the least skilled surgeon ... right?

On another airline, I once had the misfortune to experience an emergency landing. During that incident, I listened to communications that were hampered by accent. For example, among other things, the pilot was initially unable to understand the ATC question "Do you need to dump fuel?" To be fair, it sounded more like "Do you need to dumb fuel?" I didn't think it was such a stretch to understand the ATC, but the pilot struggled to understand several phrases.

As I listened to that communication, I wished that the ATC could have spoken with a perfect American accent. I wished that the pilot could have had a better ear for the Icelandic accent. When it came to "dumb fuel", it took three attempts for the message to get through. Of course, it all worked out fine in the end. All of the professionals involved knew what they had to do. I am grateful for the professionalism of the crew and ATC. But although they communicated adequately, I don't think they communicated well. And in different circumstances, that could affect the outcome.

As for your imaginary line through Europe ... I think the pilot on the Easyjet flight was from the "right" side of it. Even on the "right" side of that line you will find a range of skill levels.

EDIT: It seems I've rejoined an argument that I previously decided to exit. Staying out of this might have been a wiser decision, because ultimately this comes down to "He's a pilot. Therefore he can communicate." vs. "I was there and the evidence of his communication skills left me doubting that he can communicate well, notwithstanding the fact that he's a pilot who must surely have passed various tests". I'll not comment on this any more.