Earlier quoted context omitted.
In the EU, everything that is traded, whether it be a good or a service, is subject to a "value added tax". Incorrect. I own an Estonian (an EU member) company that can sell stuff and offer services without VAT. VAT is actually optional until a certain revenue threshold.
Also, VAT isn’t charged for certain product categories in the EU. In the UK, for instance, children’s clothing is VAT-free.
Effectively the same I know...