BioinformaticsOnline

I will be completing my B.Tech (Bachelors of Technology) degree in Bioinformatics in August this year (2008). I have done an independent project work where I tried to work on studying intramoleular signaling pathways of allosteric proteins with the Anisotropic Thermal Diffusion method (Agard group) using CHARMM.
I am interested in doing PhD in Europe, preferably in countries- Slovenia, Germany, Austria. I am targeting the year 2009 and 2008 (if application deadlines are not yet over).
Can anyone please guide/ suggest me regarding this.
I also have great confusion regarding if one can go for a doctoral degree after completion of BTech (4years) or if a MS is compulsory. I am asking this as in USA one can apply for PhD directly after 12+4 years of studying, what is the requirements in Europe? I am not clear about this looking at the university or institutes' sites.
Thanks