EDPB Conference on Cross-Regulatory Cooperation in EU Data Protection: Registration Now Open

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has announced that registration is now open for its upcoming conference on cross-regulatory cooperation in EU data protection, scheduled to take place on March 17, 2025. This significant event will gather data protection authorities, legal experts, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss and enhance mechanisms for cross-border cooperation under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) framework.

The conference comes at a critical time as the EU continues to strengthen its data protection regime and address the complexities of cross-border data processing activities. With the GDPR now in its sixth year of implementation, the need for effective cooperation between national data protection authorities (DPAs) has become increasingly apparent, particularly in cases involving multinational companies and cross-border data transfers.

Key Focus Areas

The conference will focus on several key areas of cross-regulatory cooperation, including:

Enhanced Cooperation Mechanisms: Discussions will center on how DPAs can better coordinate their enforcement actions and share information more effectively. This includes exploring improvements to the existing consistency mechanism and one-stop-shop system established under the GDPR.

Joint Investigations and Enforcement: The event will examine best practices for conducting joint investigations across multiple jurisdictions, particularly in cases involving complex data processing operations that span several EU member states.

Cross-Border Data Transfers: With ongoing challenges related to international data transfers, the conference will address how DPAs can work together to ensure consistent application of transfer mechanisms while maintaining data protection standards.

Resource Sharing and Capacity Building: Participants will explore ways to optimize resource allocation and build capacity for cross-border cooperation, including potential frameworks for sharing expertise and technical resources among DPAs.

Who Should Attend

The conference is designed for:

• Representatives from EU data protection authorities
• Legal practitioners specializing in data protection law
• Compliance officers from multinational organizations
• Technology companies operating across EU borders
• Academic researchers in data protection and privacy law
• Policy makers and government officials

Registration Details

Registration for the conference is now open through the EDPB's official website. Given the limited capacity and high demand for such events, early registration is strongly recommended. The conference will be held in Brussels, with options for remote participation available for those unable to attend in person.

Context and Significance

The timing of this conference is particularly relevant as the EU continues to refine its data protection framework. Recent high-profile enforcement actions and ongoing debates about data sovereignty and cross-border transfers have highlighted the importance of effective cooperation between DPAs.

The event also comes amid growing discussions about potential reforms to the GDPR and the broader EU digital strategy. As the EU works to maintain its position as a global leader in data protection while addressing practical challenges of enforcement, enhanced cross-regulatory cooperation will be crucial.

Expected Outcomes

Participants can expect to gain:

• Insights into current best practices for cross-border cooperation
• Understanding of emerging challenges in data protection enforcement
• Networking opportunities with key stakeholders in EU data protection
• Practical guidance on navigating cross-border compliance requirements
• Updates on recent developments in EU data protection law

Looking Ahead

The conference represents an important step in strengthening the EU's data protection framework through enhanced cooperation. As data processing becomes increasingly complex and global, the ability of DPAs to work together effectively will be crucial for maintaining high standards of data protection across the EU.

For those interested in attending, registration details and the full conference program are available on the EDPB's website. The event promises to be a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the ongoing development of effective cross-regulatory cooperation mechanisms in EU data protection.