So in Germany you can, since the 80, probably also longer, fill out a small (standardized) form, bring it to your bank (possibly by mail) and they will transfer amount x from your account to the recipients.
Since the 90, this can be done electronically, so you don’t need anything physical.
This is now further harmonized by SEPA all across Europe. Where apparently something similar existed in most countries.
I find it difficult to see the benefit of checks over the above process.
But why? What’s the reason this has been solved differently in the US and in the EU, when pretty much everyone agrees that the EU solution a) works and b) is probably cheaper? Or asked differently, why does something like the EU system not work in the US?
Integrating with some ERP or payment system is a pain in the ass, especially for a one time or infrequent payment.