I've never had an issue with getting repair parts for a product that's still in production and readily available. You can usually find second hand broken controllers which are gutted for parts that work for much cheaper too. It's usually when something is no longer made that repairs become difficult. I have a Sony MP-CD1, a laser projector, that I can't rebuy new here due to I think laser regulation laws. I know what the issue is but I can't source the part I need for it anywhere.
Ironically the battery is what has died on the MP-CD1. I can get to the battery to replace it but the battery isn't sold anywhere. I don't think simply making it replaceable will help achieve what the EU want. The only thing that would help is if the EU standardised a flat pocket battery for the devices of today (phones, handheld consoles, portable projectors, whatever) like we have for cylindrical batteries. Not sure if that would be a good idea though in terms of innovation.