Documentos - Think Tank - Parlamento Europeo

Briefing - Cross-border protection of vulnerable adults - 14-03-2025

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The IA supports the above proposals with a qualitative assessment of legal, social and economic impacts, complemented by quantified estimates of costs and savings of procedural and administrative costs. Impacts on fundamental rights and digitalisation are also assessed, including concerns raised by stakeholders with respect to data protection. The IA follows a clear intervention logic and is based on solid internal and external sources and various stakeholder consultations. It clearly makes an effort to explain the methods and assumptions underlying the analysis, but could have been more coherent, clear and specific, notably when it comes to the transparency and accessibility of the cost estimates and aggregations. The range of options assessed in the IA appears limited, given the preferred option is a combination of two out of the three options considered in addition to the baseline scenario. Impacts on small and medium-sized enterprises and competitiveness are anticipated to be minor and were therefore not further assessed. The simplification and digitalisation of protection measures for vulnerable adults in cross-border situations are at the core of the IA, which expects considerable procedural cost savings for stakeholders, while adjustment costs would be borne by the competent administrations under the preferred option. The legislative proposals appear to follow the IA's preferred option.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2025 - PE

De un vistazo - Navigating challenges to UK data adequacy - 07-03-2025

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The United Kingdom (UK) adequacy decisions are set to expire on 27 June 2025, unless the European Commission reaffirms that the UK continues to ensure an 'essentially equivalent' level of data protection to the EU's. Critics raised concerns that recent and ongoing UK reforms could jeopardise the renewal of these decisions.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2025 - PE

De un vistazo - Algorithmic discrimination under the AI Act and the GDPR - 26-02-2025

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:23:03 GMT

After the entry into force of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act in August 2024, an open question is its interplay with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The AI Act aims to promote human-centric, trustworthy and sustainable AI, while respecting individuals' fundamental rights and freedoms, including their right to the protection of personal data. One of the AI Act's main objectives is to mitigate discrimination and bias in the development, deployment and use of 'high-risk AI systems'. To achieve this, the act allows 'special categories of personal data' to be processed, based on a set of conditions (e.g. privacy-preserving measures) designed to identify and to avoid discrimination that might occur when using such new technology. The GDPR, however, seems more restrictive in that respect. The legal uncertainty this creates might need to be addressed through legislative reform or further guidance.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2025 - PE

Briefing - Understanding EU data protection policy - 21-01-2025

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The 'datafication' of everyday life and data scandals have made the protection of personal information an increasingly important social, legal and political matter for the EU. In recent years, awareness of data rights has grown considerably. The right to privacy and the right to protection of personal data are both enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and in the EU Treaties. The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 gave the Charter the same legal value as the Treaties and abolished the pillar structure, providing a stronger basis for a more effective and comprehensive EU data protection regime. In 2012, the European Commission launched an ambitious reform to modernise the EU data protection framework. In 2016, the European �Ϸ��վ and the Council, as co-legislators, adopted the EU's most prominent data protection legislation yet – the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – and the Law Enforcement Directive. The framework overhaul also included adopting an updated Regulation on Data Protection in the EU institutions and reforming the e-Privacy Directive. �Ϸ��վ played a key role in these reforms, both as co-legislator and author of own initiative reports and resolutions, seeking to guarantee a high level of data protection for EU citizens. The European Court of Justice plays a crucial role in developing the EU data protection framework through case law. In the coming years, challenges in the area of data protection will include rectifying GDPR enforcement deficits, balancing the compliance and data needs of emerging technologies, granting data access for security purposes without excessively compromising privacy and data protection, and mitigating compliance burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises. This is a further updated edition of a briefing originally written in 2020 by Sofija Voronova and updated in 2023.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2025 - PE

Briefing - Newly proposed GDPR procedural rules: Improving efficiency and consistency - 18-12-2024

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 23:00:00 GMT

Ever since the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became applicable in May 2018, the European �Ϸ��վ and civil society organisations have been flagging up deficits in its enforcement, and pushing for better implementation. To address the situation, in July 2023 the European Commission tabled a proposal aimed at improving GDPR enforcement. The proposal seeks to support the smooth functioning and timely completion of enforcement procedures in cross-border cases. To this end, the Commission suggests harmonising parties' procedural rights, streamlining and frontloading cooperation among supervisory authorities, and detailing the GDPR's dispute resolution mechanism. Views on the Commission proposal diverge. Digital rights organisations advocate for enhanced complainant rights, an equal say for the lead supervisory authority and the supervisory authorities concerned (CSAs) on the substance of enforcement decisions, a stronger role for the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), new mechanisms to facilitate cross-country enforcement, and stricter deadlines. Industry and allied organisations favour increased transparency for the parties under investigation, a stronger role for the lead supervisory authority and lesser roles for the supervisory authorities concerned and the EDPB. �Ϸ��վ adopted its first-reading position during its plenary session of 10 April 2024. It insisted on strengthening the role of complainants, CSAs and the EDPB. The Council followed with its position on 18 June 2024, largely going in the same direction as �Ϸ��վ, but using different regulatory approaches and staying closer to the Commission proposal. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages in the legislative procedure.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2024 - PE

Briefing - Combating child sexual abuse online - 19-11-2024

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 23:00:00 GMT

Online child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and grooming practices (manipulation aimed at exploiting and abusing people), now increasingly targeting younger children, have been proliferating at an alarming rate. In 2023, the more than 36.2 million reports of suspected online child sexual abuse represented a historical peak. Reports of grooming rose by more than 300 % between 2021 and 2023. Most activities detected were hosted in Europe. In response to this situation, on 11 May 2022 the European Commission adopted a proposal for long-term rules to prevent and combat child abuse. The Commission proposal would require interpersonal communication services, such as webmail messaging services and internet telephony, as well as others, to proactively detect online CSAM materials and activities involving child grooming. However, this poses many concerns regarding privacy, security and law enforcement investigations. The proposal also provides for the establishment of an EU centre to support the implementation and supervision of the new rules. In the European �Ϸ��վ, the file has been assigned to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). �Ϸ��վ adopted the LIBE report at first reading on 22 November 2023, along with the committee recommendation to enter into interinstitutional negotiations. The Council is still working on its common position under the Hungarian Presidency, where a blocking minority of countries persists. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2024 - PE

Briefing - European health data space - 18-04-2024

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:03:43 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic shone a light on the growing importance of digital health technologies, both to enable remote medical care and to facilitate the health response from international, national and local authorities. The European Commission's May 2022 proposal for a regulation on a European health data space aims to improve individuals' access to and control over their electronic personal data (primary use), while facilitating data re-use for the good of society across the EU (secondary use). The proposal establishes a set of rules, infrastructure and governance mechanisms to promote the primary and secondary use of electronic health data, while ensuring data protection and strengthening cybersecurity. The Commission expects the initiative to have a broad socio-economic impact. Its success is thought to depend not only on the capacity to implement the legal base effectively, but also on broader conditions such as EU-wide connectivity, social trust and digital skills. �Ϸ��վ's Committees on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) adopted their joint report on 28 November 2023. The Council adopted its general approach on 6 December 2023. �Ϸ��վ voted the report in plenary on 13 December. ENVI and LIBE endorsed the agreement resulting from interinstitutional negotiations on 9 April 2024. It is due to be put to the vote during the April II 2024 plenary session. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2024 - PE

De un vistazo - Nuevas normas de procedimiento para reforzar la aplicación del RGPD en casos transfronterizos - 08-04-2024

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 08:55:35 GMT

Desde que el Reglamento General de Protección de Datos (RGPD) entró en vigor en 2018, el Parlamento Europeo y las organizaciones de la sociedad civil han señalado deficiencias en los procedimientos de ejecución en casos de tratamiento transfronterizo de datos personales. Por consiguiente, la Comisión Europea ha propuesto nuevas normas para remediar la disparidad de los procedimientos seguidos por las distintas autoridades nacionales de protección de datos. El Parlamento someterá a votación su posición en el período parcial de sesiones de abril I.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2024 - PE

Briefing - A visual presentation of the newly proposed rules to strengthen GDPR enforcement in cross-border cases - 08-04-2024

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 22:00:00 GMT

After years of pressure from civil society organisations and the European �Ϸ��վ, in July 2023 the Commission tabled a proposal to improve the GDPR cross-border enforcement procedure. The proposal consists of rules that are detailed and innovative, yet also quite complex, especially when dealing with the various phases of the GDPR cooperation and consistency mechanism. To help convey an in-depth understanding and facilitate a critical discussion, this briefing tabulates the envisaged procedure. In doing so, it shows that a granular approach to promoting harmonisation is possible and that the Commission's approach is worth considering. Nevertheless, the briefing also highlights various shortcomings of the proposal. These and other aspects are analysed more extensively in two other EPRS publications: an analysis of the newly proposed rules to strengthen GDPR enforcement in cross-border cases, and a legislative briefing on the Commission proposal laying out these rules.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2024 - PE

Briefing - Revision of Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography - 20-02-2024

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:28:18 GMT

In September 2021, the Commission launched a REFIT initiative to assess the implementation of Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, with a view to revising it. This appraisal takes stock of reports published by the Commission, positions adopted and analyses submitted by EU institutions and agencies, and the relevant European Court of Human Rights case law. The directive requires the EU Member States to criminalise a series of offences, including online child sexual abuse. Yet, it does not cover all of the related technological issues or provide clues on how to reconcile respect for fundamental rights with the urgent need to combat sexual abuse against children. The directive must be understood within the broader frame of applicable EU legislation, including the proposed regulation on online child sexual abuse currently under discussion. Analysis demonstrates a need to amend the directive, with a focus on stronger preventive measures, educational programmes and assistance to victims, and more efficient investigation and prosecution mechanisms including through international cooperation.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2024 - PE

Briefing - Free movement rights of rainbow families - 28-06-2023

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

'Rainbow families' – same-sex couples with or without children – still face many obstacles while exercising their free movement rights today. In a debate in the European �Ϸ��վ in September 2010, then European Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding, stated, 'Let me stress this. If you live in a legally recognised same-sex partnership, or marriage, in country A, you have the right – and this is a fundamental right – to take this status and that of your partner to country B. If not, it is a violation of EU law, so there is no discussion about this. This is absolutely clear, and we do not have to hesitate on this'. Over a decade later, same-sex couples still experience issues when relying on their free movement rights. While the European Court of Human Rights has upheld that all member countries must provide for a registered partnership for same-sex couples if they do not provide for same-sex marriage, it can be unclear which rights should be attached to such a status. And while the European Court of Justice has ruled that same-sex marriages and parenthood established for same-sex couples have to be recognised in all EU Member States for the purpose of free movement, this case law is still very unclear, due to mixed concepts, which has led to consistent Member State violations. In her 2020 State of the Union Speech, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated 'If you are [a] parent in one country, you are [a] parent in every country'. In 2021, the European �Ϸ��վ declared the EU an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone. It has expressed its deepest concern regarding the discrimination suffered by rainbow families and their children in the EU and insists that the EU needs to take a common approach to the recognition of same-sex marriages and partnerships. In December 2022, the Commission proposed a regulation on the recognition of parenthood.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2023 - PE

Estudio - El impacto de la falta de datos de género en la protección de los consumidores - 24-04-2023

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Este estudio, encargado por el Departamento Temático de Derechos de los Ciudadanos y Asuntos Constitucionales del Parlamento Europeo, a petición de la Comisión de Derechos de las Mujeres e Igualdad de Género (FEMM), analiza el impacto de la falta de datos desagregados por género en las mujeres y en los grupos sociales vulnerables, como consumidores de productos y servicios. Se examinan en él las aplicaciones de inteligencia artificial y los ámbitos de la salud, el transporte, las finanzas y los bienes de consumo, destacándose los riesgos para la salud y la seguridad. Por otro lado, a partir de buenas prácticas, se formulan recomendaciones para el diseño de productos y servicios, la igualdad de género y la inclusión.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2023 - PE

Estudio - Reconocimiento jurídico transfronterizo de la filiación en la UE - 19-04-2023

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Este estudio, encargado por el Departamento Temático de Derechos de los Ciudadanos y Asuntos Constitucionales del Parlamento Europeo a solicitud de la Comisión de Peticiones, tiene por objeto analizar la propuesta de Reglamento de la Comisión sobre el reconocimiento de la filiación en la Unión. El estudio examina el problema de la falta de reconocimiento de la filiación entre Estados miembros y sus causas, el marco jurídico actual y las soluciones (parciales) planteadas para este problema, el contexto de la propuesta de la Comisión y su texto. También ofrece una evaluación crítica del Reglamento propuesto y formula recomendaciones de actuación para su mejora.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2023 - PE

Estudio - Pegasus y las relaciones exteriores de la Unión - 25-01-2023

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Este estudio, encargado por el Departamento Temático de Derechos de los Ciudadanos y Asuntos Constitucionales del Parlamento Europeo a petición de la Comisión de Investigación Encargada de Examinar el Uso del Programa Espía de Vigilancia Pegasus y otros Programas Equivalentes (PEGA), analiza la proliferación de tecnologías nuevas y emergentes utilizadas para la represión y el control social. Si bien estas tecnologías siguen teniendo el potencial de mejorar positivamente los valores democráticos y los derechos humanos, los regímenes represivos despliegan activamente estas herramientas para su propia ventaja estratégica. En particular, la proliferación de programas espía comerciales, como el programa Pegasus, constituye una gran preocupación. La Unión Europea debería dar mucha más prioridad a contrarrestar el uso por el gobierno de estas herramientas.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2023 - PE

Briefing - Establishing the European health data space - 11-01-2023

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 23:00:00 GMT

Overall, the IA describes the scope of the problem sufficiently well, and explains briefly, but convincingly, the need for EU action, although proportionality does not appear to have been dealt with in any depth. The IA does not define any operational objectives, which would illustrate what the deliverables of the specific policy actions are, although it identifies monitoring indicators for the specific objectives. The sufficient range of retained policy options is structured according to increasing levels of regulatory intervention, and appears to be convincing. However, the IA would have benefited from providing a more user-friendly description of some of the envisaged measures. On the whole, the IA appears to have analysed aspects of the economic impact satisfactorily, while the analysis regarding environmental impacts is very limited, although this appears justified based on the problem definition and the objectives identified. As regards social impacts, the IA quantifies the benefits, expressed in terms of savings in health expenditure, for healthcare providers, patients, researchers and innovators. The analysis regarding the impact on SMEs is rather weak, not least considering that 95 % of the companies operating in the medical technologies sector are SMEs. The analysis of the impact on innovation is not dealt with comprehensively, whereas this would perhaps have been warranted considering that increasing innovation in health products and services is part of the general and specific objectives, while the analysis regarding competitiveness is almost non-existent. The IA appears to have addressed the RSB's comments only partially. The proposal appears to be consistent with the analysis carried out in the IA as regards the envisaged measures included in the preferred options.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2023 - PE

De un vistazo - EncroChat's path to Europe's highest courts - 16-12-2022

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 23:00:00 GMT

After infiltrating an encrypted phone network widely used by criminals (EncroChat), law enforcement authorities in Europe made headlines with high-profile arrests and seizures. Across Europe, defendants are now challenging evidence and convictions, claiming flawed investigations, violations of cross-border evidence-sharing rules and insufficient disclosure of evidence. They argue that authorities violated their rights to a fair trial, effective remedy and privacy. This paper provides background on the EncroChat operations and an overview of the trends in French, German and UK jurisprudence, and calls attention to recent challenges before Europe's highest courts.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2022 - PE

Estudio - The European Health Data Space - 08-12-2022

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 23:00:00 GMT

This research paper provides an assessment of the legislative proposal for “The European Health Data Space”, including linkages with other EU measures and with Member State rules and laws. It also includes recommendations on further steps needed in order to achieve, facilitate and improve health data sharing, exchange and re-use across the EU.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2022 - PE

Estudio - Assessment of the implementation of the Law Enforcement Directive - 07-12-2022

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 23:00:00 GMT

This study analyses the main provisions of Directive (EU) 2016/680 as well as their implementation within national laws in order to contribute to the European �Ϸ��վ’s positions and findings regarding the evaluation and review of the Directive. In that context, the study identifies shortcomings and explores potential ways forward through a concrete set of recommendations.This study, commissioned by the European �Ϸ��վ’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2022 - PE

Estudio - Uso del Programa Espía de Vigilancia Pegasus y Otros Programas Equivalentes El marco jurídico vigente en los Estados miembros para la adquisición y el uso del programa espía de vigilancia Pegasus y otros programas equivalentes Este - 05-12-2022

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Estudio - Las repercusiones de Pegasus para los derechos fundamentales y los procesos democráticos - 01-12-2022

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 23:00:00 GMT

En el presente estudio —que ha sido encargado por el Departamento Temático de Derechos de los Ciudadanos y Asuntos Constitucionales del Parlamento Europeo a petición de la Comisión de Investigación Encargada de Examinar el Uso del Programa Espía de Vigilancia Pegasus y Otros Programas Equivalentes (PEGA)— se analizan las repercusiones del uso de Pegasus y programas espía similares para los valores del artículo 2 del TUE, la privacidad y la protección de datos, así como para los procesos democráticos de los Estados miembros.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2022 - PE

De un vistazo - What if we sequenced all human genomes? - 27-06-2022

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 22:00:00 GMT

The rapid growth of genetic databases worldwide, coupled with fast-decreasing costs and the rapid pace of technological change, has increased the possibility of every human genome on Earth being sequenced this century. This raises ethical and legal questions on data privacy and ownership. While a global genetic database would revolutionise preventive medicine and research, new forms of surveillance, discrimination and power imbalances could emerge. The global interplay between the individual, the state and private individuals could shift, requiring modern and flexible legislation to protect the rights of the individual.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2022 - PE

Estudio - Regulatory divergences in the draft AI act: Differences in public and private sector obligations - 31-05-2022

Mon, 30 May 2022 22:00:00 GMT

This study identifies and examines sources of regulatory divergence within the AI act regarding the obligations and limitations upon public and private sector actors when using certain AI systems. A reflection upon possible impacts and consequences is provided, and a range of policy options is suggested for the European �Ϸ��վ that could respond to the identified sources of divergence. The study is specifically focused on three AI application areas: manipulative AI, social scoring and biometric AI systems. Questions regarding how and when those systems are designated as prohibited or high-risk and the potentially diverging obligations towards public versus private sector actors and the rationale behind it, are described.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2022 - PE

Briefing - The future of data protection and privacy: How the European �Ϸ��վ is responding to citizens' expectations - 27-04-2022

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 22:00:00 GMT

This is the fifth briefing within a series benchmarking �Ϸ��վ's activities against citizens' expectations submitted to the Conference on the Future of Europe. In a number of different ways, citizens seized the opportunity to call for a high level of data protection and privacy, as well as their rigorous implementation. They recommend measures promoting industry compliance, increasing citizens' control over data, enhancing enforcement and limiting the monitoring, profiling and manipulation of citizens by private and public actors. As this briefing demonstrates, �Ϸ��վ has largely kept pace with citizens' concerns by taking initiatives in areas where contributing citizens identified a need for action.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2022 - PE

De un vistazo - What if machines made fairer decisions than humans? - 23-03-2022

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Automated decision-making by systems that use machine learning to dynamically improve performance are still seen as lacking the 'human perspective' and flexibility to adapt to the particular nuances of specific cases. But perhaps, as they lack the 'cunning' to hide their biases, automated systems actually make fairer decisions than do humans, when these decisions are based on data that have been properly curated.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2022 - PE

Estudio - Privacy and security aspects of 5G technology - 17-03-2022

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 16:22:35 GMT

This study describes two main dimensions of 5G technology, i.e. privacy and security. This research paper focuses on the analysis of cybersecurity risks and threats, privacy challenges and 5G technology opportunities at EU level and worldwide, as well as the relationship between cybersecurity risks and privacy issues. The methodological framework for this assessment of the impact of 5G technology is built on three pillars: (i) a document-based analysis; (ii) a parallel analysis with stakeholder involvement; and (iii) a selection of relevant case studies. The complexity of the 5G ecosystem, where new use cases are constantly emerging, also led the authors to assess the prospects of using new 5G-enabled technologies, such as the internet-of-things, robotics and AI. Moreover, policy options are defined and put forward for consideration by the European �Ϸ��վ's Committees on Legal Affairs, Internal Market and Consumer Protection, Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, as well as by other EU institutions and the Member States.

Fuente : © Unión Europea, 2022 - PE