European Union: European Commission opened consultation on Data Union Strategy to streamline data sharing and governance

On 23 May 2025, the European Commission opened a public consultation on the European Data Union Strategy, which will close on 18 July 2025. The strategy aims to simplify and align data rules across the EU to support consistent data sharing practices while ensuring compliance with privacy and security requirements. It builds on the 2020 EU Data Strategy and addresses recent geopolitical and technological developments, including access to industrial and language-specific data relevant for the development of generative AI. Proposed measures include support for voluntary data sharing, investment in data infrastructure, and the reduction of administrative requirements, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises. The strategy also addresses regulatory fragmentation and includes an international component to manage outbound and inbound data flows and promote contractual data sharing frameworks. The Commission may propose digital tools to support compliance with reporting obligations and consider introducing mandatory digital reporting. Implementation will be monitored through the European Data Innovation Board and expert groups. The consultation invites feedback from public authorities, small and medium-sized enterprises, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders.