ONE PLUG AND DONE: EU TO REQUIRE COMMON WAY TO CHARGE PHONES

Forget rummaging through the junk drawer. Soon, Europeans will only need to reach for one cable to charge their smartphones and other devices.

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European Union officials said they inked a provisional agreement that will require a uniform charging cord in the 27-nation bloc. It's part of a wider effort to make products sold in the EU more sustainable and cut down on electronic waste.

The new rules, which will take effect by fall 2024, mean EU consumers will only need to use a common USB Type-C cable for small and medium-sized rechargeable, portable electronic devices.

"European consumers were frustrated with multiple chargers piling up within their homes," Alex Agius Saliba, the European Parliament's lead negotiator, said at a press briefing in Brussels. "Now, they will be able to go with a single charger for all portable electronics, which is an important step to increase consumer convenience.