EU data protection bill ‘moves backwards’

The EU data protection regulation hit a setback on the 6 December 2013, after justice ministers backed off on a key component. The issue revolved around a so-called one-stop shop principle, considered a central pillar of the proposal because it harmonizes decision-making across the bloc.

The EU commissioner for justice, Viviane Reding, described it as a disappointing day for data privacy.

Insiders say delay tactics triggered by a number of states means adoption would likely occur near the end of 2014, after European Parliament elections. An EU diplomat said Germany, with the support of Sweden and Belgium, was partly responsible for the delay.

ESO: Background information: Vice-President Reding's intervention at the Justice Council on the data protection reform and the one-stop shop principle http://www.europeansources.info/record/speech-vice-president-redings-intervention-at-the-justice-council-on-the-data-protection-reform-and-the-one-stop-shop-principle/

ESO: Background information: LIBE Committee vote backs new EU data protection rules http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-libe-committee-vote-backs-new-eu-data-protection-rules/

ESO: Background information: Justice and Home Affairs Council, Brussels, 5 and 6 December 2013 http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-justice-and-home-affairs-council-brussels-5-and-6-december-2013/

EurActiv, 09.12.13: Data protection reform in peril as Germany stymies deal http://www.euractiv.com/infosociety/data-protection-reform-peril-ger-news-532189

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