International upgrades aren't super common on North American airlines either, are they?
​​​​​​ Here's what it looks like from a FB Plat perspective:
Euro Business class with most carriers (Lufthansa Group-AF/KLM-IAG) isn't much: just a moving curtain (seats in the front usually have a little more pitch), a meal of questionable quality, easier lav access, and more attentive service. There isn't the bigger seat you find in other parts of the world. People who buy Euro Business Class also get lounge access, priority check-in, priority through security (most places), priority through passport control (some places), priority boarding, and extra baggage.
As an elite, I sit just behind the curtain, I get the priority in the lines, and lounge access. I also get the magic number to call if something happens (like a flight cancellation). If the plane is full, I might get an operational upgrade. That happens at most once a year.
Now, on long haul flights, the only times I've been upgraded was when the cabins in back were full and there were openings in the front. And, one time there was a full PE cabin, and a couple flying together had an INOP seat.
Otherwise, you pay to upgrade, and the cost isn't cheaper because you have status.
Online check-in will sometimes offer your upgrades: at 24 hours before your TATL flight leaves, you can change your seat; if the desired cabin is visible, you can pay for the upgrade that way.
At the airport, checking in, you can ask if upgrades are being sold. In north America, at the gate, you can see if the gate agents are selling them. Finally, once onboard, your flight attendant can sell open seats.

So, no, we don't get the equivalent of NA domestic upgrades, but we do get things that you don't get in NA, like a lounge that's quiet enough to work in.