On May 24, 2023, the European Commission published a statement ahead of the fifth anniversary of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Commission highlighted that it announced in its 2023 Work Programme that it would propose a legislative initiative to improve cooperation between data protection authorities when enforcing the GDPR, which will establish targeted harmonization of key aspects of the administrative procedures that are applied in cross-border cases.

Furthermore, the Commission highlighted that, under the GDPR, national data protection authorities have harmonized enforcement powers, and that the GDPR creates a level playing field for all companies operating in the EU market, regardless of where they are established, while ensuring the free flow of data within the EU and facilitating safe international data transfers.

Remarks from Věra Jourová and Didier Reynders

Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, and Didier Reynders, Commissioner for Justice remarked, "The GDPR has strengthened and harmonised a fundamental right to data protection for all citizens in the European Union. Individuals are now entitled to know which of their data is being used and for which purpose. They can exercise their rights to access, correct and erase their data. At the heart of the GDPR lies trust. Trust for citizens that their personal data are safe. Trust for businesses in the competitive advantage that our regulatory framework provides. Looking back, we have successfully created a modern data protection culture in Europe, which has been a source of inspiration also in other parts of the world. There is more and more appetite from our international partners, from the Americas to Asia or Africa, to raise privacy standards across the world and, in this way, also facilitate the free and safe flow of data. This is a win-win for citizens, international trade and cooperation."

You can read the statement here.