the entire world didnt have to adapt to them, the EU has no regulatory power over websites operated outside the EU, but most websites just simply found it easier to do so, because of the fear that not doing so might turn visitors away, and to sites that do comply.

Just like how USB-C has become the universal charger connector for phones.. its not because the EU demanded it for the world, they just demanded it for their markets, and rather than create phones with USB-C for the EuroZone, and other phones for a different charger for the rest of the world.. they just push out USB-C for everything everywhere as a cost savings (for them, compared to having to run a second line for a different charger)