Europe's right-to-repair rules are broken, not beaten

The script

Panel 1

Alex, his hands covered in messy solder, is enthusiastically demonstrating a DIY repair kit. Sam, sitting calmly next to him, is holding a clipboard.

Alex: Isn't this the future of repair? Every gadget needs only a few screws and voilà, it's like magic!

Sam: It's certainly convenient, but the real issue is compliance. Many manufacturers still refuse to make their products repairable.

Alex: But we're making progress! More stores are selling repair parts and kits. Let's just keep pushing for stronger enforcement!

Panel 2

Robin, the chaos catalyst, is standing in the background with a pile of mismatched gadgets. His eyes are wide and his arms are flailing.

Robin: I just need to fix this printer and that phone... and my bicycle... and my microwave... Why can't the world just work?

Alex: Let's just get more manufacturers on board and make it a law that they must sell repair parts. Problem solved, right?

Sam: Right, as long as everyone abides by it. Otherwise, this is just another broken promise in the repair world.

Robin: Okay, let's just fix this coffee maker already! Why do I need to ask permission to fix my own coffee maker?

Panel 3

Alex, Sam, and Robin are standing side by side, looking triumphant, but slightly exasperated.

Sam: We’re on the right track, but we can’t just give up. Stronger enforcement is the way to go.

Alex: Right! And maybe we can make it so everyone likes this new world of easy repairs.

Robin: Great, then I’ll just fix everything I can and make everyone else do it too. That’s the plan!