One issue is the higher upfront cost and this is where high-tax Europe could make a smart move: reduce VAT on products that get certified to last longer (modula

One issue is the higher upfront cost and this is where high-tax Europe could make a smart move: reduce VAT on products that get certified to last longer (modularity, longer warranty, fair pricing on spare parts, refurbished program to re-sell devices). This might help incentivize consumers and producers. As an added benefit, they could upgrade components along the way, e.g. smart home integration with new standards for replacement parts.