Find recent news about right-to-repair laws in the EU and US. And what are experts saying about it?

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As of June 2026, the "Right to Repair" movement has reached a critical implementation phase in both the European Union and the United States. While the EU is moving toward a unified continental mandate, the US continues to see a patchwork of state-level victories and intense lobbying battles. Recent Developments in the European Union The most significant recent event is the EU's unveiling of its "Tech Sovereignty" package on June 3, 2026. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on US Big Tech by fostering homegrown alternatives and strengthening consumer rights. Implementation Countdown: The landmark EU Right to Repair Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1799) is set to be fully enforceable across all member states by July 31, 2026. Digital Product Passports: Starting July 19, 2026, the EU will launch the Digital Product Passport (DPP) registry. This will require products (starting with batteries and textiles) to carry a QR code that provides data on durability and repairability. Legal Warnings: On June 4, 2026, the European Commission issued formal warnings to 20 member states that missed the March 2026 deadline to transpose the "Green Transition" directive into national law. This directive is crucial for preventing greenwashing and "premature obsolescence." Recent Developments in the United States In the US, the movement remains focused on the state level, as federal legislation remains stalled in Congress. State-Level Expansion: As of mid-2026, over one-quarter of Americans live in states with enforceable Right to Repair laws. This is expected to jump to 35% by fall 2026 as new laws in Texas and Connecticut take full effect. Corporate Lobbying: Advocacy groups like the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) have reported continued lobbying efforts from companies like Google and Apple against "parts pairing" restrictions—a practice where software locks replacement parts to a specific device. What Experts are Saying Legal and technical experts are offering a mix of optimism and caution regarding these new laws: 1. The "Tech Liberation" Debate: While EU officials have hailed June 3, 2026, as "Tech Liberation Day," experts from the Computer & Communications Industry Association argue that true independence from Big Tech will take decades, noting that Europe still lacks a rival to Nvidia or TSMC. 2. Loopholes and Parts Pairing: Experts at Cybernews and Earth911 warn that while the laws mandate the right to repair, manufacturers still "hold the cards" through the high cost of original parts and software locks (parts pairing). They argue that without stricter price controls on spare parts, repair may remain more expensive than replacement. 3. Warranty Incentives: Legal analysts from Fieldfisher highlight a "hidden gem" in the EU law: if a consumer chooses repair over replacement during the warranty period, the warranty is extended by 12 months. This is viewed as a major incentive to shift consumer behavior away from a "throwaway culture." Manufacturers will be obliged to repair in scope products, even if those products were purchased by consumers before 31 July 2026. Summary Table: 2026 Milestones How would you like to proceed? I can help you look into specific state laws in the US or provide more details on the Digital Product Passport requirements. Check US state-by-state status Find a local repair shop --- ⚠️ This is educational information only and not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for legal advice.

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Right-to-Repair Laws in the EU and US

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