EU Member States must do more to guarantee cross-border data flows in trade agreements

DIGITALEUROPE reminds that unrestricted cross-border data flows in FTAs is also about enabling the flow of personal data and mixed data sets into the EU. Increased market-driven inbound data flows to the EU is particularly pertinent for Industry 4.0 and to ensure that jobs remain in the EU.

DIGITALEUROPE warns that, if adopted as such, the provisions proposed by the EuropeanCommission will hurt the EU’s interest in digital trade, allowing arbitrary interventions from trade partners that could limit legitimate cross-border data flows. Without significant amendments to thetext proposal, the EU’s interest would be better protected under existing general GATS rules and exemptions based on the well-established trade law principles of necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination.

DIGITALEUROPE advises against adopting Article B2 of the proposed provisions, which proposes a self-declaratory exception that allows trade partners to restrict cross-border data flows when the purpose of the measure is to safeguard privacy or data protection. To DIGITALEUROPE, any such additional safeguards should be clearly aimed at achieving that objective without imposing unjustifiable restrictions.

DIGITALEUROPE closely follows the ongoing discussions in the Council and reminds of the potential misuse of data protection regulation for protectionist purposes under Article B2. This article should be withdrawn to prevent unnecessary barriers for European businesses operating overseas and a negative impact on their competitiveness.