Eurochambres position on the European Commission’s proposal for a Data Act
Eurochambres welcomes the objectives of the European Commission to foster access to data and to encourage its further use for different purposes. For these endeavours to succeed, businesses require a clear and robust legal framework to, in particular, avoid fragmentation within the Single Market.
Eurochambres, through its 45 members (43 national associations of chambers of commerce and industry and two transnational chamber organisations) and a European network of 1700 regional and local chambers, represents over 20 million European businesses which in turn employ over 120 million people. More than 93% of these businesses are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
Representing companies with significant investments across Europe, we share the Commission’s goal of modernizing and strengthening the European digital economy, building digital skills, and preparing Europe’s workforce and industrial base for a data driven future.
In a digitally connected world, the potential for innovation originating from data and data sharing is immense and will certainly play an increasingly important role for the competitive edge of European businesses. The Data Act should therefore also be an enabler for European businesses to succeed in the global data competition. A clear and balanced legal framework will allow businesses to harness the power of data for innovation and growth.
The exchanges of data need to happen in a secure and fair environment that provides businesses with legal certainty and – where appropriate – reasonable compensation. It must be ensured that the level of data protection and fair competitive conditions are maintained in practice. Most of all, with the innovation element in mind, the framework should effectively support quick, easy and secure data sharing.
Appropriate impulses and groundwork should be provided to promote and strengthen the data economy in the EU, rather than restrict it. When imposing new obligations, legislators must also beware of potential unintended consequences for the competitiveness of European businesses.
