EDPB Strengthens Global Data Protection Cooperation

EDPB News

Published December 3rd, 2024

Detected February 11th, 2026

Summary

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) held a meeting with Data Protection Authorities from countries and organizations with an EU adequacy decision to strengthen global data protection cooperation. This follows up on a previous meeting in October 2024 and focuses on sharing information and experiences in international data protection enforcement.

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What changed

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has announced a follow-up meeting held on December 2nd, 2024, with Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) from countries and organizations that have an EU adequacy decision. This meeting, the second of its kind, aimed to strengthen multilateral cooperation by sharing information on advisory work and gathering experiences on international data protection enforcement cooperation. The EDPB highlighted the importance of these DPAs as key partners in global data protection efforts.

This notice serves to inform relevant parties about the ongoing efforts by the EDPB to enhance international data protection frameworks. While no new regulatory obligations are imposed, regulated entities operating internationally, particularly those transferring data to or from countries with adequacy decisions, should be aware of the increased focus on cooperation and enforcement. The EDPB's role in advising on adequacy decisions and its engagement with international partners underscore the dynamic nature of global data protection standards.

Source document (simplified)

Brussels, 3 December - As part of its December’s plenary meeting, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) held yesterday an online meeting with Commissioners and representatives of Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) from the countries and the organisation with an EU adequacy decision. This meeting marked the second of its kind, following the first gathering in October 2024.

An adequacy decision is a key-mechanism in EU data protection legislation which allows free flow of personal data from Europe to third countries or an international organisation offering an adequate level of data protection.* To date, the following countries and organisation benefit from this: Andorra, Argentina, Canada, Faroe Islands, Guernsey, Israel, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay, United States, and the European Patent Organisation. Data Protection Authorities from those countries and the European Patent Organisation are key partners for the EDPB, playing a key role in our joint efforts to strengthen data protection worldwide.

Strengthening multilateral cooperation

The Board organised a first meeting in October 2024 with Data Protection Authorities from the fifteen countries with an EU adequacy decision.

Following that meeting, the EDPB and the Data Protection Authorities from the countries and the organisation with an EU adequacy decision strengthened their cooperation by sharing information on some advisory works and gathering experiences on international data protection enforcement cooperation.

“Our first joint meeting in October 2024 paved the way for a stronger cooperation and valuable knowledge and experience sharing on data protection.

The high level of engagement shown in this second meeting by the EDPB and the Data Protection Authorities from the countries and the international organisation for which the EU adopted an adequacy decision is a clear sign of our commitment to continue working together in this shared direction.”

EDPB Chair, Anu Talus
Yesterday’s meeting was an opportunity for all participants to share views on past activities and updates on the next enforcement and advisory priorities.

Note to editors

The European Commission has the power to determine, on the basis of Art. 45 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 whether a country outside the EU offers an adequate level of data protection.

The adoption of an adequacy decision involves: 1) a proposal from the European Commission; 2) an opinion of the European Data Protection Board; 3) approval from representatives of EU countries; 4) adoption of the decision by the European Commission.