Launched in February 2020 by the European Commission, the European Data Strategy aims to position the European Union as a model in which the means of action are strengthened by data.
The European data strategy is part of the regulation in favour of the circulation of data ("RGPD").
Data can be used to develop innovative new products and services, improve production efficiency and provide tools for tackling major societal challenges. Access to and availability of data play a fundamental role in the development of artificial intelligence.
The European data strategy aims to improve access to data and promote a single data market.
| ACTIONS | WHAT IMPACTS |
|---|---|
| Data Act | The Data Act facilitates access to and fair sharing of data in the EU (IoT, inter-company). It protects against unfair clauses, provides a framework for public/foreign access, and aims to make it easier to change supplier (interoperability, portability and abolition of transfer fees). The aims are to stimulate innovation, competition and value creation by giving users control over their data. |
| Data Governance Act (DGA) | The Data Governance Act authorises the re-use of certain categories of protected data held by public sector bodies. At the same time, it creates data intermediation services, designed to put individuals and businesses in touch with data users. Finally, the sharing of data for altruistic purposes is encouraged. |
| Common European Data Spaces | The European Union has identified 14 strategic areas for the creation of common European data spaces, together forming the Single Data Market. These sectoral spaces aim to facilitate the sharing and use of data in key areas such as health, agriculture, energy, finance and mobility. In 2022, the European Health Data Space (EHDS) will be established. |
The European Data Strategy is shaping a new paradigm of digital sovereignty by orchestrating the creation of interconnected sectoral data spaces. This ambitious vision requires the deployment of robust European cloud infrastructures and advanced interoperability standards. For organisations, adaptation means rethinking data valuation models, strengthening analytical capabilities and integrating transparent governance mechanisms that enable data to be shared between economic players while preserving Europe's strategic interests.
The Commission estimates the increase in the global volume of data produced between 2018 and 2025 at 530%, and the economic value based on data in the EU by 2025 at €829 billion.