Phosphates
I don't beleive there is an E.U. wide ban at present, rather it is left up to individual states to make up the rules on the matter.
tbh, there is no difference in the performance of phosphates vs. zeolites in detergent formulations, and I would much prefer a high performing, non-phosphated detergent over an unknow brand which does contain them. Then again, water where I live is so soft no water softner is necessary, your kettle or shower will never scale and dishwashers do not require salt or "all in one" products to clean optimally, infact I found adding salt or using dishwasher detergents with built in water softner only serves to cause excessive etching on glassware and tarnish on bare and painted metals.
It only really seems to be an issue accross the pond, where I can only assume phosphate was removed but not replaced with a suitable substitute as it has been here.
Matt