The common charger, which was negotiated by Maltese MEP Alex Agius Saliba, has just become a European Union law.

This came following a vote of approval of more than 96% in the Plenary of the European Parliament which happened earlier today. 

In his speech, Agius Saliba highlighted the importance of this day for the European Union as it secured a victory for European consumers and the European environment alike.

“We will be saving millions of Euros to our consumers and more than 11 thousand tonnes of e-waste every year,” Agius Saliba said during his address. 

Agius Saliba explained that the negotiations with the European Commission and the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union were concluded in six weeks, after obtaining various approvals at different levels in the European Parliament.

He said that these results demonstrate the strong political will to find tangible solutions that would improve the lives of European citizens.

The MEP continued to explain that from autumn 2024, the USB-C charger will be used for smartphones, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice, portable navigation devices, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld video game consoles and even portable speakers.

Furthermore, he explained that as of autumn 2026, USB-C will also be used for all laptops. He recalled how the European Commission will be monitoring and updating this list from time to time in order to take into account technological developments.

Agius Saliba said that the European Commission will also be developing a new standard on wireless charging technology within 24 months.

In his concluding remarks, MEP Alex Agius Saliba thanked the shadow rapporteurs, workers and assistants, and everyone who contributed to ensuring that this process leads to the realisation of a common charger for the millions of EU citizens.

What do you make of this new EU law?