In 2009 the Commission launched a review the general EU legal framework on the protection of personal data. efamro has played a leading role in representing the interests of market social and opinion research during that process.
The main policy objectives for the Commission were to:
- Modernise the EU legal system for the protection of personal data, in particular to meet the challenges resulting from globalisation and the use of new technologies;
- Strengthen individuals' rights, and at the same time reduce administrative formalities to ensure a free flow of personal data within the EU and beyond;
- Improve the clarity and coherence of the EU rules for personal data protection and achieve a consistent and effective implementation and application of the fundamental right to the protection of personal data in all areas of the Union’s activities.
For that purpose, the Commission organised in May 2009 a wide stakeholders' conference on data protection and launched a public consultation about the future legal framework for the fundamental right to protection of personal data in the EU. efamro was the only research organisation to attend the stakeholders' conference. The public consultation was concluded in December 2009.
Further targeted stakeholders' consultations were held in 2010.
On 4 November 2010 the Commission adopted a strategic Communication on a comprehensive strategy on data protection in the European Union highlighting its main ideas and key objectives on how to revise the current rules on data protection.
The Commission published its detailed proposal for Regulation in January 2012. Since then it has been subject to detailed scrutiny in both the Council of Ministers and the Parliament.
efamro member associations are in regular contact with their national governments on this topic and efamro continues to work with the Commission and MEPs to ensure a fair and favourable outcome for research.