News

European Parliament urges the introduction of common chargers

2020. 01. 30.

Press Release by MEP Edina Tóth

The European Parliament approved today a resolution on common chargers for mobile radio equipment. MEP Edina Tóth, one of the initiators of the proposal, welcomed the success of the vote. The Fidesz politician emphasized: under the provisions of the proposal, full compatibility of chargers and mobile phones is of fundamental importance. Therefore, the introduction of common chargers is necessary to better serve the interests of both consumers and the environment.

For more than ten years, Members of the European Parliament has been urging for a common charger compatible with any kinds of mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers and other electronic devices. After the vote, Edina Tóth stressed that voluntary agreement between companies, taking into account market aspects, failed to produce satisfactory results so as a consequence, the consumers are still obliged to bring various types of chargers while traveling.

“I am especially pleased that, on my proposal, we succeeded to agree on the introduction of common chargers which serves the interests of both consumers and the environment. Chargers won’t be left abandoned at the bottom of the drawers and we won’t produce more than 51,000 tons of electronic waste per year”, stressed the member of the EP’s internal market committee.

Background: In the resolution, the Parliament calls on the Commission to adopt adequate legislative measures on the introduction of common chargers by July 2020 and present the results of the impact assessment thereon. Under the provisions of the proposal, full compatibility of chargers and mobile phones is of fundamental importance.