Halogens not banned
The EU parliament has rejected reports that it plans to ban low-voltage halogen bulbs from 2013
In a statement refuting the claims, European policymakers stated that the current draft Ecodesign Directive includes provisions to improve the energy efficiency of halogen spotlights, not ban them.
The proposals, which are subject to consultation, could be met by lamp manufacturers changing the halogen gas inside the bulbs to an inert alternative, and would result in a 20%–25% reduction in electricity consumption.
The European Lamp Companies Federation confirmed that it understood halogen bulbs would remain on the market, but with the least efficient bulbs phased out between 2013 and 2016. An official draft of the Directive is yet to be published, but if it receives approval from member states and the EU parliament, it could be adopted as early as this autumn.