What are some faculty positions focused purely on research in Europe? In the UK we have fellowships at various levels depending on experience, in which there is no obligation to teach. What are other similar positions in Europe (including the UK)?
Surely, yes. For example, institutes of Max Planck Society in Germany are primarily research focused. They offer positions of various levels (postdocs, group leaders, professors) which can be 100% research (i.e. there is an opportunity but no duty to teach).