The EPP Group in the European Parliament has advocated for more than a decade for a single common charger for all electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers, smart cameras, wearable electronics and other small electronics.
The aim is to protect the environment and make people’s lives easier.
Andreas Schwab MEP, EPP Group Spokesman for Consumer Affairs said, “Standardisation makes life easier for the people of Europe. Between 2009 and 2020, we were able to reduce chargers from 30 to only 3 with a voluntary approach from the industry.
“Let’s take the final step in a non-innovative area of the market and find a common charging solution for all mobile devices, where consumers don’t pay more and from which the environment also benefits”, said Andreas Schwab.
Vice-Chairwoman of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee and one of the leaders of this initiative, EPP Group Member Roza Thun, said: “We are drowning in an ocean of plastics, cables, chargers and other electronic waste.
“Around 50 million tons of e-waste is generated globally per year, with an average of more than 6kg per person. In Europe, it is 16kg per person.
“The Commission has to show leadership and stop letting tech giants dictate our standards. We expect a proposal to establish a standard common charger for smartphones, digital cameras, e-book readers and tablets and similar devices within the next 6 months.”
Antonius Manders MEP, who has fought for a common charger for more than 10 years, added: “Back in 2009, I tabled an amendment introducing a common charger. Like all too often, it takes the EU too long to deliver.
“I am happy that the European Commission has now promised to come up with the necessary legislation this year. A charged mobile phone is an absolute necessity in 2020 to be able to fully participate in society, also for elderly people in particular, to be able to call for help, to connect to our loved ones, to find our way in traffic and to pay in the supermarket.”
