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 is established by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and is based in Brussels. The European Commission has the right to participate in the activities and meetings of the Board without voting right.
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.
Mission
The EDPB aims to ensure the consistent application in the European Union of the General Data Protection Regulation and of the European Law Enforcement Directive.
It can adopt general guidance to clarify the terms of European data protection laws, giving our stakeholders a consistent interpretation of their rights and obligations.
The EDPB is also empowered by the GDPR to make binding decisions towards national supervisory authorities to ensure a consistent application.
Tasks and duties
We can:
- provide general guidance (including guidelines, recommendations and best practice) to clarify the law;
- advise the European Commission on any issue related to the protection of personal data and new proposed legislation in the European Union;
- adopt consistency findings in cross-border data protection cases; and
- promote cooperation and the effective exchange of information and best practice between national supervisory authorities.
We also produce an annual report on our activities, which is made public and sent to the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission.
Guiding principles
The EDPB's guiding principles are:
- Independence and impartiality
- Good governance, integrity and good administrative behaviour
- Collegiality
- Cooperation
- Transparency
- Efficiency and modernisation
- Proactivity
The representative of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Ms Tine A. LARSEN, Chair of the National Commission for Data Protection (CNPD).