We signed joint letter on data transfer
We, the undersigned organizations, call on the European Commission to ensure that the flow of data within and across the Atlantic is provided with a clear legal framework that continues to support growth and competitiveness and keeps Europe digitally connected to the US.
We represent SMEs, startups and other organizations of various sizes in digital and advanced technology industries from across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Our members are deeply engaged in building digital capabilities, driving investments in advanced technologies, striving for common access to the internet and digital services as well as responsible data management.
The dependence of our member companies and CEE region end-users on the digital environment is constantly increasing. It is essential that clear rules be set for international data transfers. Two years have passed since the annulation of the EU-US Privacy Shield agreement. Our member companies are facing mounting legal problems, as the legal viability of international data flows continues to be challenged. This destabilization has had a negative impact on the development of innovation and digital services and products in our region.
Data transfers are a prerequisite of the global economy, but their role is taken for granted.
We welcome the political alignment between the EU and US in their commitment to find a replacement data transfer mechanism. We commend the European Commission for the work it has done to date on pushing for a replacement that delivers concrete data protection rights for EU citizens and legal certainty for businesses. However, many European businesses are simply unable to fill the void left by Privacy Shield.
We encourage the European Commission to finalize its negotiations with the US and deliver a new EU-US privacy shield that protects trade, enhances citizens’ rights, and removes pressing a EU-US friction point.
Bringing the issue to a close is a win-win for all involved and the delay risk would significantly harm CEE businesses and bring uncertainty for citizens in our countries.
Thank you for your consideration. The undersigned civil society organizations stand ready to work together with you to make this happen though a constructive dialogue.
Your sincerely,
Michal Kardoš, Executive Director, Slovak Alliance for Innovation Economy
Csongor Biás, Managing Director, Startup Hungary
Tomasz Snażyk, CEO, Startup Poland
Michal Kanownik, President, ZIPSEE Digital Poland
Ondřej Ferdus, Director, Confederation of the Industry of the Czech Republic
Mindaugas Ubartas, CEO, INFOBALT
Marcin Nowacki, Vice President, Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers, Poland
