Plenary Session: Common charger for mobile radio equipment

Common charger for mobile radio equipment (RC-B9-0070/2020, B9-0070/2020, B9-0072/2020, B9-0074/2020, B9-0075/2020, B9-0076/2020, B9-0085/2020)

I voted in favour of Parliament's resolution urging the Commission to propose legislation that would impose the existence of a common charger for electronic devices. The resolution also asks the Commission to consider taking legislative initiatives to increase the number of recycled cables and chargers in the Member States, to ensure the interoperability of wireless chargers for different devices and to ensure that consumers are not forced to acquire a new charger for each new device they purchase.

Unfortunately, an amendment was rejected to highlight the harmful lobbying activity of the industry and its role in delaying regulatory action by the Commission and in overlapping corporate interests with those of consumers.
The existence of a variety of chargers results in low interoperability and performance by the devices, promotes the existence of safety problems for the consumer and increases the levels of electronic waste when consumers choose to purchase a different brand.
This debate started a long time ago when the telecommunications industry pledged to develop a common charger, signing a common agreement/position in 2009. Consumers have been waiting for political and industry action.

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