EDPB Agrees on GDPR Evaluation and Suggests Cooperation Improvements

BfDI Press Releases (Germany DPA)

Published February 18th, 2020

Detected February 11th, 2026

Summary

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has agreed to contribute to the European Commission's evaluation of the GDPR. The EDPB suggests improvements in cooperation between data protection authorities and revisions to standard contractual clauses for data transfers.

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What changed

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has issued a joint contribution to the European Commission's evaluation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). While deeming major legal amendments premature, the EDPB highlighted the need for improved practical implementation, particularly concerning cooperation among national data protection supervisory authorities in cross-border cases. The Board also called for revisions to the EU's standard contractual clauses for data transfers to third countries.

This notice indicates a focus on enhancing the effectiveness of GDPR enforcement, especially for companies involved in data breaches. Regulated entities, particularly those engaging in cross-border data transfers or operating in multiple EU jurisdictions, should be aware of potential future refinements in supervisory cooperation mechanisms and standard contractual clauses. While no immediate compliance deadline is set, the EDPB's input suggests a direction towards greater harmonization and efficiency in data protection oversight.

What to do next

Review current cross-border data transfer mechanisms and standard contractual clauses.
Monitor developments regarding enhanced cooperation between EU data protection authorities.

Source document (simplified)

Bonn/Berlin, 18 February 2020

Press release 04/2020

The EDPB has reached an agreement on the evaluation of the GDPR

On 18 February, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) decided to issue a joint contribution for the evaluation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).The European Commission had asked the EDPB to contribute to the evaluation process. In its reply, the Committee stresses the importance of the GDPR for the protection and strengthening of the fundamental right to data protection within the EU.

The Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, Professor Ulrich Kelber, said: My colleagues and I consider major legal amendments of the GDPR to be premature. However, we acknowledge a need for improvements in practical implementation. This is particularly the case in the area of cooperation between data protection supervisory authorities in cross-border proceedings. Differences in national administrative procedures must not result in impairing the effective enforcement of the GDPR vis-à-vis companies that have committed data breaches.

With regard to international data flows, the EDPB stresses the importance of the European Commission’s adequacy decisions. It calls on the Commission to revise the decisions on EU standard contractual clauses for data transfers to third countries.

The EDPB is an independent European body which contributes to the consistent application of data protection rules throughout the European Union. The EDPB is composed of representatives of the national data protection authorities and the European Data Protection Supervisor. The Board meets on a monthly basis and is based in Brussels.