What the European Data Protection Board represents?
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) is an independent European body, which contributes to the consistent application of data protection rules throughout the European Union, and promotes cooperation between the EU’s data protection authorities.
The EDPB is composed of representatives of the national data protection authorities, and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS).The EDPB was established under art. 68 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation). The European Commission has the right to participate in the activities and meetings of the EDPB without having the right to vote. The EDPB has a Secretariat, which is provided by the EDPS. A Memorandum of Understanding determines the terms of cooperation between the EDPB and the EDPS.
EDPB aims to ensure the consistent application in the European Union of the General Data Protection Regulation and of the European Law Enforcement Directive.
EDPB can adopt general guidance to clarify the terms of European data protection laws, giving our stakeholders a consistent interpretation of their rights and obligations.
EDPB are also empowered by the GDPR to make binding decisions towards national supervisory authorities to ensure a consistent application.
Regarding the tasks and duties of the EDPB, these are established by Art. 70 of the GDPR, of which we highlight the following tasks:
• To provide general guidance (including guidelines, recommendations and best practice) to clarify the law;
• To advise the European Commission on any issue related to the protection of personal data and new proposed legislation in the European Union;
• To adopt consistency findings in cross-border data protection cases; and
• To promote cooperation and the effective exchange of information and best practice between national supervisory authorities.
However, according to Art. 71 of the GDPR, the EDPB produce an annual report of its activities on the protection of individuals with regard to processing in the Union, and, if relevant, in third countries and international organizations. The annual report is made public and sent to the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. The acts approved by the Board can be viewed by accessing this link.
Republic of Moldova – member with observer status within the European Data Protection Board. Subsequently, after a series of meetings and following the submission of a considerable work, during the plenary session on October 3-4, 2017, the Republic of Moldova through the Center, was accepted as an observer member in the Working Group of ARTICLE 29 of the European Union. Starting with 2018 the Working Party of ARTICLE 29 of the European Union has changed its name to the European Data Protection Board (EDPB).
The acceptance of the Republic of Moldova as an observer member in the European Data Protection Board represents a first and a major achievement in the Eastern space, at present, the Republic of Moldova is the only state that holds this status within the European Data Protection Board.
This achievement will strengthen the mutual relations between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, both on the economic and political aspects.
