In March 2023, as part of the new action plan for the circular economy, the European Commission has proposed a directive to strengthen consumers' rights and options with regard to low-cost and simple repairs. Although this push is welcomed, the Commission’s proposal fails to address some aspects adequately that would be essential to speak of a real right to repair for consumers.

The main obstacles to repairs include high costs (both for the repair itself and spare parts), the difficulty in getting a product repaired, the unavailability of a replacement during repairs, uncertainty about how long an appliance would last after it has been repaired and whether the effort is really worthwhile. Among others, attention needs to be paid particularly to these aspects.