The new 8bitdo Pro 2 gamepads have hall effect stick, a symmetrical layout and are available in Europe. Made in China, though. I have … some of them. Love especially the translucent purple one.

I've had good experiences with 8bitdo. There's this one that looks more reminiscent of a SNES controller, but has the layout you're looking for.

8Bitdo Pro 2 is the only one I can think of off the top of my head. Not entirely sure where they're made, but I'm pretty sure they sell to Europe. On Linux, you'd have to follow these instructions to do firmware updates, since their update tool only works on Mac and Windows. I have a 8Bitdo SN30 Pro+ and its been perfectly fine on Linux.

As an aside, if you, or anyone reading this is comfortable with soldering. Gulikit sells Hall Effect Sticks that can be retrofit into both the Dualshock 4 and the Dualsense, if you're looking for that Playstation stick layout. (I believe Gulikit also provides the hall effect sticks that 8bitdo uses)

Well, the Playstation layout is severely limiting. I recently bought a GameSir Tarantula and it's really awesome, but it only has Xbox/Switch physical layout.

It can present itself as a Playstation controller to the system, though, so it will be detected as such, but the physical buttons won't match. But if you don't need that and are more interested in games recognising you have a PS controller, it could work for you.

I use it with my Steam Deck, so it works well for Linux.

DualSense or a Logitech F310 (F710 if you need wireless).

The Logitech controllers are solid, sturdy, use the PSX layout (they're designed after the OG dualshock), and inexpensive.

Idk what kind of sensors they use, but I've had my F310 since they launched and it's still in perfect condition.

DualSense doesn't use hall effect sensors, but I've also had these for 3+ years now, used daily, no issues. But you can replace the sensors if you want to.

I still love the dualshock 3. Recently bought two more from ebay because my first one is half broken.

I don't know about shipping to Europe but GameSir has the Tarantula Pro which I have, and despite being partial to the Xbox layout I've been enjoying. I know 8bitDo also has a Playstation style controller with hall effect sticks and that people who have tend to like them, but I don't have one so I can't comment on it

I feel your pain. I'm a big fan of the PS controller design as well. This isn't a serious recommendation as I haven't done it yet myself, but your best bet may just be to buy a PS5 controller with some HAL effect replacement sticks.

(Just using Amazon as an example, there are probably cheaper/better European options but it looks like a 2-pack would run you about $14USD / €‎12) https://www.amazon.com/PS5-Hall-Effect-Joystick-Replacement-2-Pack/dp/B0DN8T9KJW

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/DualSense+Joystick+Replacement/142488

Be warned as it looks like in order to do the replacement you'll need to desolder the old sticks and solder in the new ones.

This'll probably be my plan, one day, but I suck at soldering so I'm likely going to find a friend to do it for me and bribe them with some beer.

If you can solder (or know somebody that can) and your PS4 controller is in good shape otherwise, there are hall effect stick replacements available for PS4 controllers.

I have the Retrofighters BattlerGC Pro, this is the Playstation layout equivalent:

https://retrofighters.com/our-collection/defender-pro-wireless-gamepad/

Hall effect sticks, Bluetooth support, 2.4ghz dongle, excellent buttons. The BattlerGC Pro is the best controller I've ever owned. If this Playstation style controller is even close to as good you won't be disappointed.

Edit: they also have this mini controller, and this one is currently available, whereas that more deluxe one is a pre-order shipping in January.