All the articles that deal with the ins and outs of data.
Siemens warned that EU regulations are driving industrial giants toward the US and China. As the "Trump Effect" lures factories away with tax cuts and deregulation, Europe faces a high-stakes choice regarding data rules and the chip dilemma of speed vs. sovereignty.
While the EU works to simplify data rules and boost Europe’s data economy, the incoming Roadworthiness Package may restrict vehicle data sharing to public authorities only - potentially shutting out private European companies and weakening consumer choice.
As AI grabs the spotlight, Europe’s data economy still powers billions in value, yet fragmented GDPR enforcement continues to hold innovators back. The Digital Omnibus was meant to help, but the EU now risks retreating from even modest reform.
DG Connect’s recap of the EU Data Strategy consultation brings few surprises: Western Europe led participation, Europeans are more active in providing unique feedback, and 25% want the GDPR reviewed.
Record 4,325 Call for Evidence submissions (boosted by gamers) show a split. Most business groups opposed it, and many publicly funded NGOs supported it. The EU “champions” (Wolt, Ryanair, Vinted, Spotify) warned of over-regulation, urging focus on implementation.
The EU’s Digital Omnibus consultation is open until Oct 14, 2025, aiming to simplify data, AI, and cybersecurity compliance. But without tackling the GDPR reform, the elephant in the room remains.
At today’s conference on Draghi’s competitiveness report, key takeaways included: telecoms reform (DNA), calls for deeper GDPR reform, a pause on AI Act high-risk rules, "Buy European" procurement, and faster merger reform.
EU Justice Ministers met in Copenhagen to discuss targeted GDPR simplification. While the Commission rules out a full review, momentum is growing to ease burdens, especially for SMEs and scale-ups, which are key to Europe's competitiveness.
The EU’s Data Union Strategy aims to boost AI-friendly data use, streamline rules, and expand global data flows. But GDPR remains off the table. Unfair B2B data sharing, lack of incentives for public institutions need more attention.
Germany has recently established a new Ministry for Digital Affairs and State Modernization, which could help improve its position in the EU's digital race and inspire larger Member States to pursue similar reforms- provided they are granted sufficient political authority.
Last week, the EU Commission unveiled its AI Continent Action Plan to boost AI adoption and leadership. While it generated buzz, much of it echoes earlier proposals—and key measures on simplification and red tape, especially around the AI Act and GDPR, remain thin.
As European data-based companies eagerly await a consultation on the EU Data Union Strategy (which is promised to be launched in 2025 Q1), it is crucial to highlight the structural issues for data sharing within Europe.
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