> but last time I was there, electronics were generally much more expensive than in the US.

There are various factors:

* VAT is always included unless (if its aimed at business solely, like IBM, then this doesn't seem to be the case, but then that is being mentioned)

* Relatively low EUR. The EUR also isn't doing so well compared to the USD.

* Storage tax. This to compensate the entertainment industry.

* Environmental taxes.

The price you see in store is the price you're gonna pay (excluding S&H but the seller has to inform you on that before the sale is finalized). I find that practical.

> since they preclude inexpensive short-term-use or disposable electronics.

Which I consider a great thing because its better for the environment (although not good enough).

I'm not interested in buying a new phone every year because the software isn't updated anymore, or because the battery isn't allowing me to use the phone for a whole day anymore.

That's why -after burning myself with various cheap and expensive brands- I got myself a Fairphone. No, it isn't perfect and it won't run the latest version of Android, but at least it will have all security & reliability fixes backported. Monthly. At the very least its a step in the right direction, and the Fairphone is leading by example.