12/03/24 (Agence Europe) – At their plenary session in Strasbourg on Tuesday 12 March, MEPs gave their approval, by 543 votes to 6 with 58 abstentions, to the provisional political agreement reached with the Council of the European Union at the end of 2023 (see EUROPE 13314/5) on the revision of the product liability directive. Modernising the 1985 legislation, this reform adapts the legislation to the challenges posed by digital technology and the circular economy, making it easier for consumers injured by defective products to obtain redress. In particular, it reduces the burden of proof. In cases of technical or scientific complexity, a product may be presumed defective by the courts. The directive also broadens the scope of compensation, covering both material and non-material damage, such as that affecting psychological health, or linked to the corruption or loss of data. (NP)