The Justice Council on Tuesday 9 December was an opportunity for European ministers to exchange views on the progress of work to simplify the application of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The Danish Presidency, which was holding its last ministerial meeting on justice, included among its priorities the reduction of administrative burdens while maintaining a high level of data protection in the EU.
This objective is also supported by the European Commission, according to Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath.
Since the informal meeting in July, discussions have continued between Council experts on how to reconcile economic competitiveness with the fundamental right to data protection. The experts studied both legislative and non-legislative options.
However, a working document examined in November (see EUROPE 13756/20) confirms that a majority of States refuse to reopen the GDPR, although the same States agree to consider specific adjustments linked to practical needs.
Others are opposed to any changes, and a third group supports limited adaptations, notably to low-risk reporting obligations or the clarification of certain definitions, including those in Article 9.
The work, which covered both legislative and non-legislative avenues, follows on from the proposal to simplify (‘omnibus’) digital legislation, including the GDPR, presented on 19 November (see EUROPE 13755/4).
At the end of the discussions, the Danish Minister for Justice, Peter Hummelgaard, welcomed the progress made, saying that “a simpler and more rational application of the GDPR” would help to strengthen European competitiveness. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)