Your problem is understandable. I was in the same position here in Italy. The shipping, customs, and IVA increases the cost far beyond reasonable and adds no value. I searched for months for used. Very few available in the EU, and when I found one that looked decent, it was too far to go for an inspection. Are you willing to buy a used bike sight unseen?
Buying new you have two options. There are dealers, one in the Netherlands, one in France, and one quasi dealer in Italy. But buying through a dealer ends up costing the same as buying direct. They pay the same taxes and shipping. Option two: If you have a good friend or relative in the US that will be traveling to where you live in the near future and they're willing to do you a big favor, have the bike shipped to them in the states. They can bring it to you on their flight. Boxed bikes are allowed at no extra cost as long as they're within the weight and size limit, and you inform the airline ahead of travel that you're checking a bike. I was lucky. My son was planning a visit. I had a new bike shipped to him and he brought it to me on his flight here.
It's too bad that there isn't a true dealer system in the EU that could bring the cost in line with the US prices as with most other products.