France had Minitel. They just never did anything with it. The EU also subsidize (even more) then the US does. US corps can't take profits from military ops to subsidize civilian ops. EU also tax dodge[1]. It's not an American thing. Also, The US double taxes its companies. The EU do not. Am Cos pay taxes on worldwide profits. EU cos do not.

[1]http://www.dw.com/en/german-companies-avoid-billions-in-taxe...