Just had this reply from Origin:
"Dear Anthony,
Thank you for contacting Electronic Arts.
I
appreciate your interest in Mass Effect 3. I have reviewed your email
and came to know that you have few question regarding the Mass effect 3
release. Well at the moment we do not have any information regarding the
exact release time of the game on 9th march.
However, I would
inform you that Pre-download option will not available for UK/EU region.
Also the payment will be debited from your bank account when the game
releases.
We at Electronic Arts appreciate your efforts and
involvement in our Games and take this opportunity to express our
gratitude and extend support throughout. Please feel free to get in
touch with us anytime. Also, please access our online knowledgebase on:
http://help.ea.com/
Regards,
Robin
Electronic Arts – World Wide Customer Experience"
So looks like the EU/UK is getting stiffed with regards to a preload...