The Internet industry on both sides of the Atlantic is engaged in an ongoing and regular “Transatlantic Dialogue”. Under this title, the leading Internet associations in the EU and the U.S. – the eco Association and the i2Coalition – have invited participants to a two-part series of talks on the new EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework. The first roundtable took place in Washington, D.C. on 6 October 2022. On 6 December, decision-makers from politics and business will discuss the issue in Brussels, as explained by eco’s Managing Director Alexander Rabe:
Mr Rabe, why is the Transatlantic Dialogue on 6 December so important?
We urgently need a new transatlantic agreement for the legally secure transfer of personal data between the EU and the USA. For many companies in Europe, a legally secure exchange of data at the international level is the foundation for their data-driven business models and successful digital transformation. At the beginning of October 2022, US President Joe Biden cleared the way for such a solution with an Executive Order for the planned EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework. Now the ball is in Europe’s court.
Who will take part in the talks?
In a first part of the talks in October, we already exchanged views with high-ranking officials of the US government in the USA. On 6 December, we want to continue the talks with high-ranking EU officials, such as Geneviève Tuts. She is Head of Cabinet of the European Commission’s Directorate General for EU policies on justice, consumer rights and gender equality. Other experts from politics and business will take part on location in Brussels. All interested parties are cordially invited to register for the event on the morning of 6 December. For those who cannot be there live, there will be a live stream from 8:30 a.m. onwards.
What are your expectations for the talks?
We need legal certainty for transatlantic data exchange – and we need it soon. That’s why we want the talks to address legal questions and concerns in advance. The EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework must arrive promptly and stand on strong legal foundations. For this to succeed, the next step is a so-called “adequacy decision” by the EU Commission under Article 45 of the GDPR. This is expected in spring 2023. We would like to pave the way for this with our Transatlantic Dialogue on 6 December.
Mr Rabe, thank you very much for the interview!
Registration for the Transatlantic Dialogue: Reawakening Digital Trade – Part II: The Future of the Trans-Atlantic Data Privacy Framework
