In the 2014 Radio Equipment Directive, EU lawmakers called for a common charger to be developed and gave the Commission powers to pursue this via a delegated act.

The Commission's approach of “encouraging” industry to develop common chargers fell short of the co-legislators’ objectives. The voluntary agreements between different industry players have not yielded the desired results.

A common charger should fit all mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers and other portable devices, MEPs will insist.

The debate on Monday will be wound up by a resolution in a forthcoming plenary session.

According to estimates, old chargers generate more than 51 000 tonnes of electronic waste per year.

Commission statement (with resolution)

Procedure Code: 2019/2983(RSP)

Debate: Monday, 13 January

Vote will be held at a future session