Did the European Parliament herald the end of the throwaway society this week, in the middle of the Black Week discount battles? The MPs in Strasbourg, who approved the “right to repair” with a large majority on Tuesday, certainly see it that way. The new law requires sellers to repair products such as washing machines and cell phones free of charge within the usually two-year warranty period – as long as this does not cost more than a replacement product. Manufacturers also have to offer repairs for older devices and keep spare parts available cheaply and for a long time.
Comment: The right to repair can only be the beginning – economics
