On Wednesday 28 February, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), European Digital Rights (EDRi) and Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (TCA) published a letter in which they express their support for its decision to differentiate between dialogue on data protection and trade negotiations with third countries (see EUROPE 11951).
The text of horizontal provisions adopted on 31 January was made public by the Politico website. These provisions stipulate that cross-border data flows should not be restricted between the different parties by subordinating, for example cross-border data transfers to the use of information technology resources, network components or the localisation requirements on the territory of the respective parties.
In their letter, the organisations consider, however, that if this political decision is to be effective, the Commission must explain how these clauses are applied in relation to the former safeguards, when disputes arise with trading partners.
They also claim that it would be necessary to explain that the dispositions apply to all the different chapters of a trade agreements, including those on telecommunications and financial services.
The organisations are calling on the Commission to publish the text as soon as possible in an effort, “to ensure equal access to this crucial position for all". (Original version in French by Marion Fontana)