The European Union (EU) will ban the use of halogen light bulbs across the European territory starting from September 2018. Halogen bulbs will be replaced with more energy efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs), helping to reduce European CO2 emissions and energy bills. Remaining stocks will be sold but no new products will be offered for sale. The decision affects non-directional mains-voltage halogen lamps but does not include capsules, linear and low voltage incandescents used in oven lights.
LEDs consume around one-fifth of the required energy for halogen bulbs and also last longer: 15-20 year life expectancy for LEDs instead of 2 years on average for halogen bulbs. Halogen lamps are rated at "D" level for energy efficiency, which is the lowest rating available under EU guidelines.
Prices for LED lights have been constantly decreasing over the last years and dropped by 75% between 2010 and 2017. The EU reckons that switching to LED lamps will save €115 over a lamp lifetime and will pay back its cost in less than one year.