Don't PhD programs in Europe always inform the application result?
Yes, unfortunately this kind of thing happens often in Europe. 

Some years ago I sent a candidature for the Francis Crick Institute (UK) and in the public notice it said explicitly something like:


  "We will contact the candidates we are interested in before the date
  X. If you do not hear back from us it means you were not selected."


I also had submitted a candidature for a Max-Planck program (Germany) and received a standard email. But with a note that explains why they don't give further informations about the candidatures:


  P.S. I have a personal wish: Please refrain from further enquiries. I
  am the only person dealing with 1000+ applicants and I simply can't
  answer such enquiries.


However, in Portugal they usually are very transparent with this kind of process. The candidates are seriated and they ask for every candidate to reply an email in agreement with the results. If the candidates didn't agree they have 15 days to complain. In the absence of a reply and a complaint, the process is put on hold for 15 days and then they atribute the fellowship.