In the resolution, passed by a large majority of votes (582 for, 40 against, 37 abstentions), MEPs called on the European Commission to prepare a legislative proposal or a delegated act prescribing mandatory introduction of common chargers for all mobile devices.
In the 2014 Radio Equipment Directive, the Council and the Parliament called for a common charger to be introduced and gave the Commission powers to pursue this via a delegated act.
The Commission has the power to amend the directive independently on the basis of delegated powers approved by the law, on the condition that it does not change key elements of the law in question.
The Commission prepares and passes delegated acts after consulting expert groups with members from all EU member states.
Following the Commission's passing an act, the Parliament and the Council usually have a two-month period to express all objections. If they choose not to do so, the delegated act comes into effect.
Croatian MEPs, too, have called for the introduction of a common charger for all electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers, smart cameras etc.
"We are witnessing the growing fragmentation in the market of mobile phones and other small and medium electronic devices, which results in an e-waste increase. Around 50 million tonnes of e-waste is generated in the world every year, and Europe takes the second place in e-waste production, generating 12.3 tonnes annually. A solution to the problem of e-waste is desperately needed. (...) The introduction of a common charger would not only protect consumers, but also the world we live in, by raising awareness about ecology," stated Croatian MEP Suncana Glavak (HDZ/EPP).
"The introduction of a common charger is better for the environment, as well as consumers. If Europe really wants to be the leader of the Green New Deal, the introduction of a common charger is one of the necessary steps," said MEP Karlo Ressler (HDZ/EPP).
The initiative for the resolution was launched by the EPP, and it was signed by some 20 MEPs from all larger factions.