It's not. The EU tried to do it the easy way, where companies would agree amongst themselves. This was finally accomplished in 2009[1] by every one except Apple.
[1]: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2009/06/10-companies-agree-t...
After 13 years, the EU is finally forcing Apple.
> EU citizens already make this decision for themselves by voting with money
We're also voting with our votes and most of us agree with that the EU is doing here.
I think I'm for this decision overall, but otoh I'm really glad that the EU didn't force everyone onto micro-USB back in 2009. If they EU hadn't done this now, I wonder how I would feel about the possibility when 2035 rolls around?
They did exactly that, force micro-usb, but in 2010: https://www.engadget.com/2010-12-29-european-standardization...
And now it's upgrading to usb-c, so they do seem to be able to change with technology.
That definitely makes me feel better about that process then, so thanks :-)
Never voted for crap like this or the GDPR. I voted for strong leadership against Russian aggression or not becoming energy dependent of an evil regime, but I guess mandating trivialities is so much easier.