Data protection - European Commission

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ecl-mega-menu__sublink" type="button" data-untranslated-label="Organisation" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-991214787" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Organisation</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega ecl-mega-menu__mega--level-2" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/organisation-european-commission/president_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="The President" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >The President</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/organisation-european-commission/college-commissioners_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="College of Commissioners" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >College of Commissioners</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/departments-and-executive-agencies_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Departments and executive agencies" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Departments and executive agencies</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/organisation/commission-staff_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="Staff" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Staff</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__spacer" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem ecl-mega-menu__see-all" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/organisation_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-991214787" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></li></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__sublink" type="button" data-untranslated-label="Role" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1170394295" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Role</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega ecl-mega-menu__mega--level-2" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="In strategy and policy" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >In strategy and policy</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/role/law_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="In law" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >In law</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/role/budget-and-funding_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="In budget and funding" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >In budget and funding</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/role/international-relations_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="In international relations" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >In international relations</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__spacer" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem ecl-mega-menu__see-all" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/role_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1170394295" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></li></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__sublink" type="button" data-untranslated-label="Service standards and principles" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-71999617" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Service standards and principles</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega ecl-mega-menu__mega--level-2" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/service-standards-and-principles/transparency_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Transparency" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Transparency</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/service-standards-and-principles/ethics-and-good-administration_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Ethics and Good Administration" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Ethics and Good Administration</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/service-standards-and-principles/modernising-european-commission_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Modernising the European Commission" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Modernising the European Commission</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/service-standards-and-principles/commissions-use-languages_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="The Commission’s use of languages" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >The Commission’s use of languages</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__spacer" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem ecl-mega-menu__see-all" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/service-standards-and-principles_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-71999617" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></li></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/about/contact_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="Contact" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Contact</a></li></ul></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__item ecl-mega-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-mega-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup id="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-2"><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__link" type="button" data-ecl-mega-menu-link id="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-2-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Our priorities</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-icon--flip-horizontal ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__wrapper"><div class="ecl-container"><div class="ecl-mega-menu__info ecl-mega-menu__info--has-link" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><span class="ecl-mega-menu__info-title" id="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-2-info-title" >Our priorities</span><div class="ecl-mega-menu__info-scrollable"><div class="ecl-mega-menu__info-content">Learn how the EU is building a sustainable, digital, and inclusive future through its seven key priorities.</div><a href="/priorities-2024-2029_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-mega-menu__info-link ecl-mega-menu__info-link" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-2-info-title" ><span class="ecl-link__label">Discover more</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--flip-horizontal ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></div></div><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/priorities-2024-2029/competitiveness_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Competitiveness" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Competitiveness</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/priorities-2024-2029/security-and-defence_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Security and defence" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Security and defence</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/priorities-2024-2029/european-social-fairness_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="European social fairness" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >European social fairness</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/priorities-2024-2029/quality-life_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Quality of life" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Quality of life</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/priorities-2024-2029/democracy-and-our-values_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Democracy and our values" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Democracy and our values</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/priorities-2024-2029/global-europe_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="A global Europe" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >A global Europe</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/priorities-2024-2029/eu-budget-and-reform_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="EU budget and reform" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >EU budget and reform</a></li></ul></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__item ecl-mega-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-mega-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup id="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-3"><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__link" type="button" data-ecl-mega-menu-link id="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-3-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">News and media</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-icon--flip-horizontal ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__wrapper"><div class="ecl-container"><div class="ecl-mega-menu__info ecl-mega-menu__info--has-link" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><span class="ecl-mega-menu__info-title" id="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-3-info-title" >News and media</span><div class="ecl-mega-menu__info-scrollable"><div class="ecl-mega-menu__info-content">Stay up to date with the European Commission's news. Discover the latest updates, stories, multimedia and other valuable material</div><a href="/news-and-media_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-mega-menu__info-link ecl-mega-menu__info-link" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-3-info-title" ><span class="ecl-link__label">Discover more</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--flip-horizontal ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></div></div><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/news-and-media/news_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="News" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >News</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Press corner" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Press corner</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/news-and-media/visual-stories_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Visual stories" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Visual stories</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Audiovisual portal" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Audiovisual portal</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" type="button" data-untranslated-label="Resources" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1702000739" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Resources</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega ecl-mega-menu__mega--level-2" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://op.europa.eu/en/" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Publications" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Publications</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/news-and-media/resources/statistics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Statistics" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Statistics</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://learning-corner.learning.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Learning corner" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Learning corner</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/screen/home" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Eurobarometer" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Eurobarometer</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="EU law" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >EU law</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__spacer" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem ecl-mega-menu__see-all" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/news-and-media/resources_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1702000739" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></li></li></ul></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__item ecl-mega-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-mega-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup id="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-4"><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__link" type="button" data-ecl-mega-menu-link id="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-4-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Topics</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-icon--flip-horizontal ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__wrapper"><div class="ecl-container"><div class="ecl-mega-menu__info ecl-mega-menu__info--has-link" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><span class="ecl-mega-menu__info-title" id="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-4-info-title" >Topics from A to Z</span><div class="ecl-mega-menu__info-scrollable"><div class="ecl-mega-menu__info-content">Discover EU policies designed to bring benefits to citizens, businesses and other stakeholders in the EU</div><a href="/topics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-mega-menu__info-link ecl-mega-menu__info-link" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-item-ecl-mega-menu-1140712531-4-info-title" ><span class="ecl-link__label">Discover more</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--flip-horizontal ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></div></div><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__sublink" type="button" data-untranslated-label="Aid, Development cooperation, Fundamental rights" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1547205058" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Aid, Development cooperation, Fundamental rights</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega ecl-mega-menu__mega--level-2" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/aid-development-cooperation-fundamental-rights/human-rights-non-eu-countries_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Human rights in non-EU countries" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Human rights in non-EU countries</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/aid-development-cooperation-fundamental-rights/your-fundamental-rights-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Your fundamental rights in the EU" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Your fundamental rights in the EU</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/aid-development-cooperation-fundamental-rights/recipients-and-results-eu-aid_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Recipients and results of EU aid" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Recipients and results of EU aid</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/aid-development-cooperation-fundamental-rights/how-we-provide-aid_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="How we provide aid" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >How we provide aid</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/aid-development-cooperation-fundamental-rights/ensuring-aid-effectiveness_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="Ensuring aid effectiveness" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Ensuring aid effectiveness</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__spacer" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem ecl-mega-menu__see-all" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/aid-development-cooperation-fundamental-rights_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1547205058" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></li></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__sublink" type="button" data-untranslated-label="Business, Economy, Euro" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-387350983" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Business, Economy, Euro</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega ecl-mega-menu__mega--level-2" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/business-economy-euro/doing-business-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Doing business in the EU" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Doing business in the EU</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/business-economy-euro/financial-services_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Financial services" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Financial services</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Economic recovery" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Economic recovery</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/business-economy-euro/economic-forecasts-and-surveillance_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Economic forecasts and surveillance" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Economic forecasts and surveillance</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/business-economy-euro/european-semester_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="The European Semester" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >The European Semester</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/economic-and-monetary-union_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Economic and Monetary Union" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Economic and Monetary Union</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/euro/what-euro-area_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="The euro area" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >The euro area</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://european-union.europa.eu/institutions-law-budget/euro/benefits_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="The benefits of the euro" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >The benefits of the euro</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__spacer" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem ecl-mega-menu__see-all" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/business-economy-euro_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-387350983" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></li></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__sublink" type="button" data-untranslated-label="Education" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1088877609" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Education</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega ecl-mega-menu__mega--level-2" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/education/skills-and-qualifications_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Skills and qualifications" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Skills and qualifications</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/education/study-or-teach-abroad_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Study or teach abroad" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Study or teach abroad</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/education/teaching-methods-and-materials_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Teaching methods and materials" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Teaching methods and materials</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/education/policy-educational-issues_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Policy on educational issues" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Policy on educational issues</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/education/set-projects-education-and-training_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="Set up projects for education and training" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Set up projects for education and training</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__spacer" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem ecl-mega-menu__see-all" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/education_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1088877609" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></li></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__sublink" type="button" data-untranslated-label="Energy, Climate change, Environment" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1609941259" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Energy, Climate change, Environment</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega ecl-mega-menu__mega--level-2" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/energy-climate-change-environment/overall-targets-and-reporting_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Overall targets and reporting" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Overall targets and reporting</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/energy-climate-change-environment/implementation-eu-countries_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Implementation in EU countries" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Implementation in EU countries</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/energy-climate-change-environment/international-cooperation_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="International cooperation" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >International cooperation</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/energy-climate-change-environment/standards-tools-and-labels_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="Standards, tools and labels" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Standards, tools and labels</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__spacer" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem ecl-mega-menu__see-all" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/energy-climate-change-environment_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1609941259" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></li></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__sublink" type="button" data-untranslated-label="EU regional and urban development" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-648302" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">EU regional and urban development</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega ecl-mega-menu__mega--level-2" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/eu-regional-and-urban-development/financial-support-projects_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Financial support for projects" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Financial support for projects</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/eu-regional-and-urban-development/projects-and-results_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Projects and results" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Projects and results</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/eu-regional-and-urban-development/countries-regions-cities_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Countries, regions, cities" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Countries, regions, cities</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/eu-regional-and-urban-development/cooperation-between-border-regions_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="Cooperation between border regions" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Cooperation between border regions</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__spacer" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem ecl-mega-menu__see-all" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/eu-regional-and-urban-development_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-648302" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></li></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__sublink" type="button" data-untranslated-label="Food, Farming, Fisheries" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-694080410" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Food, Farming, Fisheries</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega ecl-mega-menu__mega--level-2" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/food-farming-fisheries/food-safety-and-quality_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Food safety and quality" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Food safety and quality</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/food-farming-fisheries/farming_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Farming" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Farming</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/food-farming-fisheries/oceans-and-fisheries_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Oceans and fisheries" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Oceans and fisheries</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/food-farming-fisheries/forestry_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Forestry" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Forestry</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/food-farming-fisheries/sustainable-agriculture_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Sustainable agriculture" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Sustainable agriculture</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/food-farming-fisheries/agricultural-trade_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Agricultural trade" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Agricultural trade</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/food-farming-fisheries/plants-and-plant-products_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Plants and plant products" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Plants and plant products</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/food-farming-fisheries/animals-and-animal-products_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="Animals and animal products" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Animals and animal products</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__spacer" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem ecl-mega-menu__see-all" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/food-farming-fisheries_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-694080410" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></li></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--primary ecl-mega-menu__sublink" type="button" data-untranslated-label="Law" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1345433232" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Law</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--2xs ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-mega-menu__mega ecl-mega-menu__mega--level-2" data-ecl-mega-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-mega-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/law/law-making-process_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Law-making process" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Law-making process</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/law/track-law-making_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Track law-making" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Track law-making</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/law/search-law_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Search law" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Search law</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/law/law-topic_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Law by topic" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Law by topic</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/law/application-eu-law_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Application of EU law" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Application of EU law</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/law/cross-border-cases_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Cross-border cases" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Cross-border cases</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/law/judicial-training-and-professional-networks_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Judicial training and professional networks" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Judicial training and professional networks</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/law/find-legal-professional_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink ecl-mega-menu__sublink--last" data-untranslated-label="Find a legal professional" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Find a legal professional</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__spacer" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem ecl-mega-menu__see-all" data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="/law_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" aria-describedby="ecl-mega-menu-sublink-1345433232" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use 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ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Strategy on research and innovation" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Strategy on research and innovation</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-and-innovation/law-and-regulations_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Law and regulations" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Law and regulations</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a href="https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-and-innovation/knowledge-publications-tools-and-data_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-mega-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Knowledge: publications, tools and data" data-ecl-mega-menu-sublink >Knowledge: publications, tools and data</a></li><li class="ecl-mega-menu__subitem"data-ecl-mega-menu-subitem><a 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class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-breadcrumb__link" >Law</a><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static"><a href="/law/law-topic_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-breadcrumb__link" >Law by topic</a><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment ecl-breadcrumb__current-page" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static" aria-current="page"><span>Data protection</span></li></ol></nav><div class="ecl-page-header__info"><h1 class="ecl-page-header__title"><span>Data protection</span></h1></div><div class="ecl-page-header__description-container"><p class="ecl-page-header__description">Rules for the protection of personal data inside and outside the EU. </p></div></div></div> </div> <main class="ecl-u-pb-xl" id="main-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2.ecl-u-type-heading-2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading"> <div class="ecl-container"> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12 ewcms-top-sidebar"> <div> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12"> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-main-page-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading" class="ecl-u-mb-l"> <article dir="ltr"> <div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_49554"></a> <div class="ecl-row inpage-navigation-container"> <div class="ecl-col-l-3"> <nav class="ecl-inpage-navigation oe-theme-ecl-inpage-navigation ecl-u-z-dropdown" data-ecl-auto-init="InpageNavigation" data-ecl-auto-initialized="true" data-ecl-inpage-navigation="true" aria-labelledby="ecl-inpage-navigation-1699517861" ><div class="ecl-inpage-navigation__title" id="ecl-inpage-navigation-1699517861">Page contents</div><div class="ecl-inpage-navigation__body"><div class="ecl-inpage-navigation__trigger-wrapper"><button type="button" class="ecl-inpage-navigation__trigger" id="ecl-inpage-navigation-1699517861-trigger" data-ecl-inpage-navigation-trigger="true" aria-controls="ecl-inpage-navigation-list" aria-expanded="false"><span class="ecl-inpage-navigation__trigger-current" data-ecl-inpage-navigation-trigger-current="true">Page contents</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-inpage-navigation__trigger-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="false" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></button></div><ul class="ecl-inpage-navigation__list" data-ecl-inpage-navigation-list="true" id="ecl-inpage-navigation-1699517861-list"></ul></div></nav> </div> <div class="ecl-col-l-9" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading"> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_49555"></a> <div> <div class="ecl"> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Data protection in the EU</h2> </div> <div class="ecl"><p>In today's digital age, where information is constantly shared, collected and processed, there is a need for clear and strong data protection rules.</p><p>Data protection is a fundamental right under EU law. EU data protection legislation is comprised of the General Data Protection Directive<strong> </strong>(GDPR), the Law Enforcement Directive (LED), and the Data Protection Regulation for EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (EUDPR). </p><p>To ensure that this legislation is applied consistently, national and European data protection authorities and bodies have been established.</p><p><a href="/law/law-topic/data-protection/legal-framework-eu-data-protection_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--cta">Find out more about the EU's legal framework for data protection</a></p></div> </div> </div> <div class="ewcms-page-section ecl-u-mb-2xl ecl-u-bg-neutral-40"> <div class="ecl-u-pa-m"> <a id="paragraph_49548"></a> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__title ecl-col-12"><h2 class='ecl-u-type-heading-2'>Data protection: questions and answers</h2></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/law/law-topic/data-protection/data-protection-explained_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Data protection explained</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>Read about key concepts such as personal data, data processing, when and to whom the GDPR applies to, and more.</p></div></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/law/law-topic/data-protection/information-individuals_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Information for individuals</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>Read about the rights you have over your personal data under the GDPR, how to exercise these rights, and more.</p></div></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column last-item"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/law/law-topic/data-protection/rules-business-and-organisations_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Information for businesses and organisations</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>Read about data protection principles and obligations, enforcement of the rules, dealing with individuals' requests, and more.</p></div></div></div></div></article></div></div></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-pa-m"> <a id="paragraph_49550"></a> <div class="ecl-accordion" data-ecl-auto-init="Accordion" data-ecl-accordion ><div class="ecl-accordion__item"><h3 class="ecl-accordion__title" id="paragraph-49550-0-title"><button type="button" class="ecl-accordion__toggle" data-ecl-accordion-toggle aria-controls="paragraph-49550-0-content" ><span class="ecl-accordion__toggle-flex"><span class="ecl-accordion__toggle-title">Disclaimer</span><span class="ecl-accordion__toggle-indicator"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-accordion__toggle-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-accordion-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#plus"></use></svg><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-accordion__toggle-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-accordion-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#minus"></use></svg></span></span></button></h3><div class="ecl-accordion__content" hidden id="paragraph-49550-0-content" role="region" aria-labelledby="paragraph-49550-0-title" ><div class="ecl"><p>The information and guidance in these webpages are intended to contribute to a better understanding of EU data protection rules.</p><p>This is intended purely as a guidance tool – only the text of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has legal force. As a consequence, only the GDPR is liable to create rights and obligations for individuals. This guidance does not create any enforceable right or expectation.</p><p>The binding interpretation of EU legislation is the exclusive competence of the Court of Justice of the European Union. The views expressed in this guidance are without prejudice to the position that the Commission might take before the Court of Justice.</p><p>Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the European Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of the following information.</p><p>As this guidance reflects the state of the art at the time of its drafting, it should be regarded as a 'living tool' open for improvement and its content may be subject to modifications without notice.</p></div></div></div></div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_49551"></a> <div> <div class="ecl"> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">International dimension of data protection</h2> </div> <div class="ecl"><p>The EU has established international data protection agreements to ensure that EU citizens' personal data remains protected even if transferred outside the EU. </p><p>EU data protection legislation includes safeguards for when transferring data to third countries, including adequacy decisions, standard contractual clauses (SCC) and binding corporate rules (BCR).</p><p><a href="/law/law-topic/data-protection/international-dimension-data-protection_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--cta">Find out more about the international dimension of data protection</a></p></div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_49552"></a> <div> <div class="ecl"> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Funding to support the implementation of the GDPR</h2> </div> <div class="ecl"><p>The Commission has provided funding to national data protection authorities to finance projects that support the implementation of the GDPR. </p><p>These projects aim to equip individuals and businesses with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate and ensure compliance with data protection rules. </p><p>The types of projects funded by the Commission typically include awareness-raising campaigns, training programs, and the development of practical tools and materials that can facilitate small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) compliance with the GDPR.</p><p><a href="/law/law-topic/data-protection/eu-funding-supporting-implementation-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--cta">Find out more about these EU-funded projects</a></p></div> </div> </div> <div> <a id="paragraph_49553"></a> <div class="ecl"> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2"> Timeline </h2> </div> <ol class="ecl-timeline" data-ecl-auto-init="Timeline" data-ecl-timeline ><li class="ecl-timeline__item" id="ecl-timeline-item-295480937"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">25 July 2024</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The Commission publishes the <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A357%3AFIN&qid=1721897017650">second report on the application</a> of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item" id="ecl-timeline-item-1301149071"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">4 July 2023</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The Commission proposes <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023PC0348">further specifying procedural rules</a> relating to the enforcement of the GDPR.</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item" id="ecl-timeline-item-1295427959"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">14 October 2022</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The Commission publishes the <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/document/1b914c69-c8da-4213-aed0-9fd187ca1021_en">first report on the application</a> of the Data Protection Regulation for EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (EUDPR).</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-1192830617"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">25 July 2022</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The Commission publishes the <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/publications/first-report-application-and-functioning-data-protection-law-enforcement-directive-eu-2016680-led_en">first report on the application</a> of the LED.</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-1110829033"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">24 June 2020</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The Commission publishes the <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/document/fae2ab12-3919-4b01-9706-45532d4523b1_en">first report on the application</a> of the GDPR.</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-514372918"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">11 December 2018</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32018R1725">EUDPR</a> becomes applicable.</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-1053091842"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">23 October 2018</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The European Parliament and the Council adopt the EUDPR.</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-1767644932"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">25 May 2018</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr.html">GDPR</a> becomes applicable.</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-2145417094"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">6 May 2018</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The Member States have to transpose the LED into their national law.</p><p> </p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-185484361"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">10 January 2017</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The Commission <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_17_16">proposes the EUDPR</a>. </p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-1400327236"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">24 May 2016</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32016R0679">GDPR</a> enters into force.</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-761210546"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">5 May 2016</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32016L0680">LED</a> enters into force.</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-687181070"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">27 April 2016</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The European Parliament and the Council adopt the LED and the GDPR.</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-1620558859"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">25 January 2012</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The European Commission proposes a comprehensive reform of the EU's 1995 data protection rules to strengthen online privacy rights and boost Europe's digital economy.</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--collapsed" id="ecl-timeline-item-1001506782"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">4 November 2010</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The Commission presents a <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:0609:FIN:EN:PDF">Communication</a> to the other EU institutions on "A comprehensive approach on personal data protection in EU".</p></div></div></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item ecl-timeline__item--toggle"><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--secondary ecl-timeline__toggle" type="button" data-ecl-timeline-button data-ecl-label-collapsed="Show 12 more items" data-ecl-label-expanded="Hide 12 items" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Show 12 more items</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button></li><li class="ecl-timeline__item" id="ecl-timeline-item-1111216082"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip"><div class="ecl-timeline__tooltip-arrow"></div><div class="ecl-timeline__label">24 October 1995</div><div class="ecl-timeline__content"><p>The <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A31995L0046">European Data Protection Directive</a> on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data is adopted with a transposition deadline of three years from the date of its adoption.</p></div></div></li></ol> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2"> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-megamenuhideforprintfix"> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_50262"></a> <div> <div class="ecl"><article> <div><script src="https://europa.eu/webassets/commission.europa.eu/resources/jsassets/megamenu-hide-print.js"></script> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12"> <div> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-socialshare"> <div class="ecl-social-media-share"> <p class="ecl-social-media-share__description"> Share this page </p> <script 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