Technology and sustainability in the spotlight: European Commission adopts 2022 work program – Technology

The European Commission has adopted its 2022 work program. As expected, technology and sustainability are both high on the agenda, with the Commission presenting a bold vision for a green and digital Europe. Below we take a look at some of the most critical proposals for those working in the product realm. So what’s going on in the pipeline?

The European Commission’s 2022 work program contains 42 new policy initiatives, 26 regulatory simplification initiatives, 76 pending priority proposals and 6 withdrawal proposals – all linked to the 6 main ambitions of the EU. Here’s our quick review of the announced initiatives you should keep on your radar:

Environment, sustainability and the European Green Deal

• Right to repair and circular economy. In the third quarter of 2022, we expect the publication of a legislative initiative on the right to repair, building on the Commission’s initiatives on sustainable product policy from 2021. Although details are not forthcoming not yet known, the goal is to extend the useful life of goods and strengthen the rights of consumers to repair products at fair prices, while encouraging producers to design products that last longer. An impact study and a public consultation will be carried out in the first quarter of 2022.

• Zero pollution package. The Commission also announced a review of Read more
  Term details’> Regulation No. 1272/2008 on hazard classification, labeling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures (CLP Regulation). The legislative proposal is expected in the second quarter of 2022 and the changes aim to improve the safe use of chemicals in the EU and to simplify existing rules, for example on labeling. A public consultation on these changes is open until November 15, 2021.

• Plastic initiatives. The Commission announced four new initiatives focusing on plastics and microplastics, including a policy framework for biodegradable and compostable plastics, and measures to restrict the use of microplastics. Although details are again limited, the Commission’s zero pollution action plan states that the EU should reduce microplastics released into the environment by 30% by 2030. These new initiatives will likely be crucial for this. goal.

Technology and digitization

• Cyber ​​resilience. In the third quarter, we expect the launch of the European Cyber ​​Resilience Act, which will partly propose new rules for connected devices to address potential software vulnerabilities and establish common cybersecurity standards for connected devices. This will be the key for anyone working with new technology products, even those with basic connected properties.

• Priority proposals. A number of existing digital initiatives have also been included as priority proposals pending for 2022, indicating that they are considered important and worthy of rapid implementation. These include proposals for:
  • a new regulation on artificial intelligence, focused on adopting a set of AI rules adapted to a risk-based approach;
  • a new machine Learn more
    Term details’> Regulation, which was originally proposed as part of the larger “IA package”;
  • a new General Product Safety Regulation, which, among other objectives, will address product safety challenges related to new technologies, online markets, non-harmonized products and recalls;
  • a new digital services law and digital markets law, which will have far-reaching effects for online platforms and marketplaces, as well as a wide range of businesses that sell products and services online; and
  • amended rules standardizing chargers for mobile phones and similar categories of radio equipment.

Review of other existing legislation

• Learn more
  Term Details’> RoHS Learn More
  Term Details’> Directive. The Commission has announced that it will present a review of EU rules restricting the use of hazardous substances in electronics. The legislative proposal, which will be accompanied by an impact assessment, is expected in the fourth quarter of 2022.

• Detergents Learn more
  Term Details’> Settlement. The Commission should address the weaknesses highlighted in the evaluation of detergents Read more
  Term details’> Regulation (notably clarifying its scope) via a legislative proposal in Q4 2022.

Regarding all of the above, the Commission has confirmed that green and digital ambitions will be more present in all assessments, impact assessments and consultations. As always, there is a lot to consider. If you would like to discuss these developments, please contact us. The Cooley Product Team has a lot of experience in navigating the EU legislative process and can help you express your views, research changes in draft proposals or assess what is happening. program could mean for your business.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide on the subject. Specialist advice should be sought regarding your particular situation.