WEll, Nigel, EU countries are free to set their own rates of VAT, and, after all, we cheerfully embraced its precursor.
More utter tosh plucked from thin air.
If we are free to set our own VAT rates we could do away with (or reduce to Nil) the VAT on tampons. This is not a control that we have.
Fortunately that tax is already at the 'reduced rate'(5%).
As far as the 'standard rate' (currently 20% in UK) is concerned.
Under EU law: Each country has a standard rate which applies to most supplies. This cannot be less than 15%.
This can be found on the EU's own website: Here by selecting the down arrow under "Standard rate".

But if you wish, please continue living in your own little imaginary land where facts are thing which shouldn't intrude into your own wishful thinking.