Probably not an EU thing, though I have seen that there are model variances depending on where a unit is sold. The bigger issue is some of the less prominent manufacturers just aren't including the capability on their entry or mid level lineup to save on costs. NFC is so rarely used outside of the Apple Pay fanatics that it makes sense to not make the cut.

But the true problem here is the tyrannical requirement of NFC for your particular needs. It's not like these institutions are providing standard issue phones to the entire populous. An experience should be enhanced by modern tech, not mandate it to live.