One currency, one charger: How the EU is changing consumers' lives

One currency, one charger: How the EU is changing consumers' lives

Paris, June 2, 2024 (BSS/AFP) – Elections will be held across Europe in June.
With the European Parliamentary elections scheduled for the 9th, AFP reports on how the EU fared.
Changed consumers' lives:

– One Currency –

The German mark, the franc, the Italian lira and the peseta are far apart
memory.

Twenty years ago, countries abandoned their own currencies.
EUR.

Currently, 20 of the 27 European Union (EU) member states use the euro as their sole legal tender.
bid.

Transfers between eurozone countries will be free of charge.
Travelers no longer have to worry about foreign exchange rates.

The euro is also accepted in Germany, Europe's largest economy.
People were initially concerned that the currency would lead to rising prices.

Germans call the euro “Teulo”. This is
“Euro” is combined with “teuer,” which means “cheap” in German.

The debt crisis that hit Greece and other eurozone countries in the 2010s
Currencies have weathered their biggest challenge, but countries are reassessing their monetary policies.
Support measures to help our neighbors and dispel the threat of division
Monetary union.

Europeans don't seem to miss their old currencies: European Commission
In a survey conducted in late 2023, 79% of people living in the euro area
I believe the euro is good for the EU.

– Free Roam –

The abolition of roaming charges across the EU in 2017
Residents of the block.

People no longer have to worry about expensive phone bills.
Cross the border.

Kevin Eon, a Frenchman who works for a startup based in the Netherlands,
After moving, I got a French phone number.
Local SIM card.

“It makes life easier,” Ion says. “It saves time.”

– 1 mobile phone charger –

Another revolution in mobile phones is the rules coming into force later this year.
One charger for all your portable electronic devices.

All manufacturers selling in the EU will be required to use USB-C ports
On your phone, tablet, speaker, or other portable technology.

Most devices already use these cables, but Apple has
I don't feel like it.

The company said in 2021 that such regulations would “stifle innovation.”
The company began shipping phones with the new port last September.

– Flight Compensation –

The EU has taken steps to protect the rights of air travelers.

Airlines must pay compensation to passengers of between 250 and 600 euros ($270-650).
If there are long delays or flight cancellations.

Businesses will also have to provide drinks, meals and accommodation, if necessary.
need.

However, the airline cited “extraordinary circumstances”
Paying compensation to passengers often leads to legal disputes.

– Cookie consent –

Since 2018, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has
The website asks for your consent before installing “cookies” – Program
Tracks your internet activity to deliver targeted advertising.

Instead, people have to deal with popup windows,
Agreed.

“Sometimes it annoys me. Other times it doesn't bother me,” Marta Liboni said.
Italian, 27. “It depends on how much time I have.”