No. Because that would be dumb.
The law says new devices have to use USB-C, it doesn’t say cables for older devices can no longer be manufactured. Because that would be dumb.
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I’m in two minds about this…
sure, I get/agree with the whole reduction in number of chargers/cables argument.
but on the flip side, technology does not age well…usb-c is not a ‘pinnacle’ to never be improved on like all tech - it will be replaced, and legislation may stifle this, as Apple have pointed out.
(what if governments had previously legislated that we had to have 5v DC jacks for charging?)
that said, I think this does not ban other connectors, just said usb-c has to existing as well (as a cost free option), I wonder if this is mandated for wireless charging only devices?
I also don’t agree standards don’t come around through consensus - USB has done quite well without requiring legislation 
that said, I do like the idea that the industry should push for standardisation on wireless charging, thats quite timely - though not sure of ‘governments role’ in this process.
definitely in two minds…
how do we let the industry still innovate (without shackling to old tech)?
how will these ‘standards’ be review regularly… so we don’t have obsolesce?
anyway, at least the ‘EU backing’ will create a decent market and incentive for the industry to use usb-c… though frankly, it seemed to be moving that way already. (excluding the issues with component supply)
personally, Ive my doubts , by the time we get rid of all these ‘ageing’ micro usb devices etc, and replaced with usb-c ones… the tech will have moved on from usb-c to something else, and the EU will mandate that instead
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Can’t someone read the EU proposals instead of arguing on the internet over a news title ?
Here is an extract from the FAQ:
*Any technological developments in wired charging can be reflected in a timely adjustment of technical requirements/ specific standards under the Radio Equipment Directive. This would ensure that the technology used is not outdated.
At the same time, the implementation of any new standards in further revisions of Radio Equipment Directive would need to be developed in a harmonised manner, respecting the objectives of full interoperability. Industry is therefore expected to continue the work already undertaken on the standardised interface, led by the USB-IF organisation, in view of developing new interoperable, open and non-controversial solutions.*
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honestly, that FAQ is pretty standard political fodder. to counter the (valid) concerns some have.
(they use similar phrasing on many mandates, to illustrate they are ‘adaptive’)
but…
how timely were the EU agreeing this new mandate, let alone implementing it?
how timely will they be to update it? why is the USB-IF now responsible for standards on charging?
who decides what is ‘non-controversial’… Apple are stating this is already controversial
from what Ive seen… the EU changes direction as fast an oil tanker… dont expect this’ll be different.
this is not so much about the details of the EU mandate, but rather - is it even necessary?
as mentioned usb, has done perfectly ok, without legislation so far, and the move to usb-c is already well underway, and Apple have already stopped supplying chargers with the iPhone.
as I already stated, Im not really against its… I think it could be beneficial.
however, I think it’s worth challenging/discussing the EU mandates , as it can sometimes be prone to overreach.
enforcing standards for heath n’ safety is one thing… similarly emission rules etc
but where is the line drawn?
that (for me) is the topic here, beyond the specific details of the mandate.
btw: I should say, Im pro EU - I like the fact that they are making these kind of challenges to the industries… its good to have a body that can stand up to large companies for the benefit of its community… but that doesn’t mean we have to agree without thought/question/discussion on all its actions.
A highly convincing argument for anyone who has used the internet and now has yet another box to click through.
That said, whether you are talking about the EU, PRC/CCP, USA, India, etc. the point of these federal bodies is to be dumb. Dumb enough that on average things are OK for everyone.
The alternative is Singapore, Dubai, Alabama: places that are smartly tuned for the needs of a narrow selection of the population and profoundly evil for many people. (The USA is failing badly in this regard, one reason why I’ve been seriously contemplating emigration for some time, perhaps to the EU)
I think this USB thing is dumb and will generate more e-waste than without, but it’s a fair price to pay for a relatively peaceful Europe (don’t mention those two things I already mentioned upthread). Much of the EU tech “regulation” does little more than ensure that a few hundred EU lawyers get FAANG jobs and the FAANGs make small tithes to the EU budget. But they have been an utter failure in terms of developing a strong Euro tech sector.
Same. The EU, or any other federal body, can do a lot of small dumb things and still be a net good for the vast majority of people. And if you really want ultimate freedom, you can try your luck in Texas 
I’ve used lots of USBC devices in the last 6 years and I’m yet to see one fail. Besides, the complaints about the connector design become irrelevant as soon as you realize that you really don’t want a PD-capable connector to have exposed pins.
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