Communication: Towards a common European data space

Further information:

Data-driven innovation is a key enabler of market growth, job creation, particularly for SMEs and startups, and the development of new technologies. It allows citizens to easily access and manage their health data, and allows public authorities to use data better in research, prevention and health system reforms.

The Commission has already implemented key measures to improve the framework conditions for data-intensive industries. With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU has created a solid framework for digital trust, a precondition for the sustainable development of the data economy. The GDPR guarantees a high level of data protection. All those affected by the new rules, which will come into force on 25 May 2018, will need to ensure full compliance.

To lay the foundations for a future competitive advantage based on trusted and accepted data technologies, the free movement of personal data within the EU granted by EU data protection rules will be complemented by the free flow of non-personal data under a Proposal put forward in September 2017. However, further action is needed in order to improve the efficient use of data across the EU.

Building on the data protection legislation in force, the Commission is now proposing a package of measures as a key step towards a common data space in the EU - a seamless digital area with the scale that will enable the development of new products and services based on data.

The European Commission on 25 April 2018 put forward a set of measures to increase the availability of data in the EU, building on previous initiatives to boost the free flow of non-personal data in the Digital Single Market.

• Primary Source

European Commission: Communication on guidance relating to the direct application of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - COM (2018)43 http://www.europeansources.info/record/communication-on-guidance-relating-to-the-direct-application-of-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/

European Commission: Press Release, 25.04.18: Data in the EU: Commission steps up efforts to increase availability and boost healthcare data sharing http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-3364_en.htm

EUR-Lex: SWD(2018)125: Guidance on sharing private sector data in the European data economy https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD:2018:125:FIN

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