Keeping data out of the wrong hands.
The Danish EU Presidency is pushing GDPR reform to boost competitiveness, proposing SME-friendly changes like limiting data rights in low-risk cases, simplifying DPIAs, and requiring prior engagement before complaints. Broader reforms may still be needed for hyperscalers.
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.
Tomorrow, Denmark takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from Poland, leading until December 31, 2025. Here's a look at the key digital priorities on the Danish agenda.
We created EU Tech Loop to break info barriers around digital policy - no paywalls, no gatekeeping. Want to share our content? Email us at editor@eutechloop.com - let’s talk!
The EU talks simplification, not deregulation. Despite promises to cut red tape, major digital laws like the GDPR and AI Act are likely to remain largely untouched. Cosmetic tweaks and harmonization are the focus, while new regulatory layers resurface under fresh labels.
The Commission's fourth simplification package outlined two digital-oriented changes: simplified record-keeping requirements under the GDPR for larger companies, and the introduction of a ‘digital-first’ principle for product legislation.
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.
The EU fined Apple €500M and Meta €200M under the Digital Markets Act, giving them 60 days to comply. But from a consumer perspective, are we celebrating real benefits - or are we celebrating “showing it to them”?
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.
The EU must shift from voluntary guidelines to legally binding framework to advance the ideas set in the 5G security toolbox. A uniform security standard across all Member States would prevent patchwork enforcement and strengthen the region’s security.
Hungary’s digital ID system is under fire after it was revealed that its facial recognition tech is linked to PM Orbán’s son-in-law. Critics warn of surveillance risks, especially amid new laws allowing facial ID at protests and concerns over political misuse.
As US-EU trade tensions rise, digital policy is still missing from the EU’s trade negotiation agenda. With global demand for cutting-edge digital services growing, real potential exists—if experts, businesses, and policymakers align on rules, standards, and shared priorities.
Analysis of EU innovation, consumer and tech policy
