static function isUserCountryRequired()
    {
        // Check if user country must be specified.
        $requireUserCountry = true;
        $shopINI = eZINI::instance( 'shop.ini' );
        if ( $shopINI->hasVariable( 'VATSettings', 'RequireUserCountry' ) )
            $requireUserCountry = ( $shopINI->variable( 'VATSettings', 'RequireUserCountry' ) == 'true' );
        return $requireUserCountry;
    }