The Stalemate Over the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS)
The position of European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), a crucial role responsible for overseeing data protection within EU institutions, has been vacant for nearly two months. The delay stems from a disagreement between the European Parliament and the EU member states on the ideal candidate to succeed Wojciech Wiewiórowski, whose term expired in December 2023. The European Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) has endorsed Bruno Gencarelli, a seasoned Commission official with expertise in transatlantic data flows. Conversely, the member states favor retaining Wiewiórowski, the former Polish data protection supervisor, for another five-year term. This divergence of opinion has created a deadlock, delaying the appointment process and raising concerns about the effective oversight of data protection within the EU institutions.
A key point of contention surrounding Gencarelli’s candidacy is his long tenure within the European Commission. Critics, including the Centre for AI & Digital Humanism and numerous privacy scholars, argue that appointing an individual with such close ties to the Commission could compromise the EDPS’s independence and impartiality. They contend that Gencarelli’s prior managerial roles within the Commission could create a conflict of interest, potentially hindering his ability to objectively scrutinize the Commission’s compliance with data protection regulations. This concern raises fundamental questions about the EDPS’s ability to act as an effective watchdog, ensuring that EU institutions adhere to the highest standards of data protection.
The European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents is expected to formally endorse LIBE’s decision to support Gencarelli. This sets the stage for a period of negotiation and compromise between the Parliament and the member states. Finding a mutually acceptable candidate is crucial for restoring stability and ensuring the continued effectiveness of the EDPS. The ongoing debate underscores the importance of maintaining the EDPS’s independence and credibility, particularly given the increasing significance of data protection in the digital age.
The European Commission’s New Economic Doctrine: The Competitiveness Compass
The European Commission recently unveiled its "Competitiveness Compass," a strategic blueprint outlining the EU’s economic direction for the next five years. Presented by Industrial Strategy Commissioner Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné, the Compass aims to provide a predictable economic framework while upholding the core tenets of the European model: decarbonization, social responsibility, and adherence to European values. Séjourné emphasized the importance of the Compass in ensuring stability and guiding Europe’s economic trajectory in the coming years.
However, the Competitiveness Compass has faced criticism from the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), which declined an invitation to endorse the plan. The ETUC argues that the Commission failed to adequately consult social partners during the development of the Compass and expresses concerns that the plan could negatively impact jobs, rights, and standards. ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch acknowledged the positive aspects of having a defined industrial policy but stressed the need for significant revisions and negotiations to address the ETUC’s concerns.
The ETUC’s critique highlights the potential tensions between economic growth and social considerations. While the Commission emphasizes the Compass’s alignment with European values, the ETUC’s concerns suggest a disconnect between the Commission’s vision and the perspectives of labor organizations. Addressing these concerns and finding common ground will be crucial for ensuring the successful implementation of the Competitiveness Compass and achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The debate surrounding the Compass underscores the complex interplay between economic policy, social considerations, and the need for dialogue and collaboration between policymakers and stakeholders.
