EU’s “right to repair” aims to boost electronics lifespan, but local challenges remain for consumers and businesses.
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Electronic waste generation is rapidly increasing across Europe; in 2023, the EU collected about 5.2 million tons of such waste, averaging 11.6 kilograms per resident, while putting 14.4 million tons of new electronics on the market. In Lithuania, 25,800 tons were processed in 2024, but the average collected per resident (9.2 kg) lags behind the EU average. High waste volumes are driven by consumer behavior and limited repair options. The primary barrier to repairing electronics is often the high cost of repairs compared to buying new items, compounded by complex designs and a lack of state incentives or affordable diagnostic services for consumers.
New European Union regulations, starting July 31, 2026, introduce the “Right to Repair,” aiming to make fixing broken goods more viable than replacing them. Key changes include granting consumers the right to demand repairs from manufacturers even after the seller’s warranty expires, and mandating that manufacturers provide spare parts and tools at reasonable costs. Furthermore, if a consumer chooses repair over replacement within the seller’s responsibility period, that period is extended by 12 months.
While these rules address technical barriers, experts note that their effectiveness depends on broader economic support. In Lithuania, challenges include the lack of state financial incentives for consumers and shortages of skilled technicians. To truly encourage repair, advocates suggest governments should implement subsidies or “repair vouchers,” similar to those in Austria and Germany. Additionally, a centralized European repair platform is planned for 2028 to help consumers find legitimate service providers. Ultimately, successful implementation requires not only manufacturer compliance but also active government intervention through financial incentives and support for the local repair industry.
