Switzerland is not part of the European Union. Majority of the
EU countries, do have larger taxes, but the gov’t covers numerous social benefits for all residents, e.g. universal medical coverage, childcare, unemployment insurance, and free university education.
In the US, the cost of medical insurance is astronomical,
and it does not cover pre-existing conditions. In Europe, for people that work, the quality of life is better, e.g. all companies must give at least 5 weeks vacation, and working overtime and on Sunday is strictly regulated.