By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. And yes, that includes Apple’s iphones too.
From spring 2026, the legal obligation will extend to laptops.
In addition, all devices that support fast charging must have the same charging speed, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.
Buyers will be able to choose whether to purchase a new device with or without a charger, saving them costs, and saving the planet from electronic waste.
This was the democratic decision of the European Union and shows the reach of the Union’s power.
No single European country working alone could have achieved this. It took the might of 27 European countries working in concert to bring about a continent-wide directive to benefit all its citizens.
Apple’s head of marketing, Greg “Joz” Joswiak, commented,
“Obviously we’ll have to comply, we have no choice.”
Commented the European Union:
“Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charger every time they purchase a new device, as they will be able to use one single charger for a whole range of small and medium-sized portable electronic devices.”
Commented the European Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba:
“These are difficult times for politics, but we have shown that the EU has not run out of ideas or solutions to improve the lives of millions in Europe and inspire other parts of the world to follow suit”.
Countries working collaboratively together can work wonders. That’s one of the huge advantages of the EU.
Can you imagine Britain, or France, or Germany alone insisting that Apple must change their chargers? Apple has only complied because of ‘union power’.
It was the same with compelling mobile phone operators across the EU to scrap exorbitant roaming charges.
And to ensure compulsory, comprehensive compensation for airline passengers in the EU if their flight is significantly delayed.
And to ensure uniform, EU-wide workers-rights; safety of products; the right to live, work, study or retire across the entire EU; Europe-wide consumer rights, and the list goes on.
How can one national government assure safety, protection, and benefits for all citizens across a continent?
The simple fact is that it can’t – it needs the reach of a pan-European intergovernmental organisation to achieve, with the democratic consensus of its member states.
That organisation is called the European Union. And with Brexit, Britain is now on the outside, with no say at all.
All we can do is look on as decisions about the running and future direction of our continent are made without us. How is that a benefit?
