EU to standardise mobile chargers

12.12.00pm GMT Thu 26th Mar 2009

European Liberal Democrat MEPs have secured a pledge that the EU seek to harmonise mobile chargers. The aim is to reduce costs for European consumers currently obliged to replace chargers which still work, and to cut the enormous quantity of waste generated.

During a debate at the European Parliament initiated by Liberal Democrats, the European Commissioner for Industry Gunther Verheugen announced that the Commission will work towards the introduction of a standardised charger for portable electronic appliances including mobile phones, cameras, laptops, iPods and MP3 players.

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford said:

"The persistence of the European Liberal Democrat (ALDE) group has paid off. Standardising chargers means less waste of money and less waste for the environment."

"The EU is delivering more and more real benefits for consumers. We will keep the Commission to this particularly important promise. A standardised charger is a small change with big implications."