In a nosedive since 1909...
Patent Offices in Europe peaked in about 1905.
They really started their nosedive in 1909 when Al left for other opportunities.
The Staff Union of the European Patent Office (SUEPO) has denied it is prepared a sign a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) between it and the patent organization – saying the document still contains significant flaws. If true, the EPO – which examines and grants patent applications that are then applicable across Europe – …
Your article indicates that the EPO management is badly misunderstood.
EPO: "very close to an agreement that was ready to sign" -- NOT
EPO: revised version of the "request" to EPO management would remove direct criticism of Battistelli. -- NOT
Maybe you are on to something here. I wonder if the conflict might be based on everybody misunderstanding the EPO management ... Keep asking those questions, it might get entertaining.