Priorities

The EDPS is consulted on proposals for legislation with an impact on data protection and other matters which relate to the processing of personal data. The response of the EDPS usually takes the shape of an opinion, but he may provide guidance in the form of comments or a policy paper as well. 

Given the important number of proposals planned every year by the Commission, the EDPS establishes a list of subjects of particular interest. This inventory serves the purpose of identifying, selecting and compiling a list of those Commission proposals to which the EDPS intends to react. It is based on the Work Programme of the Commission as well as on bilateral contacts that the EDPS maintains with the services of the Commission. These subjects are followed, acted upon and given adequate follow up, where relevant.

The inventory is not exhaustive. However, it defines priorities in different areas, such as: Justice, Liberty and Security; Information Society and Media; Employment; Anti-Fraud; Energy and Transport; Public Health.

Every year in December, the EDPS publishes its priorities and its inventory for the next calendar year. In 2010 however, the publication was done in June due to the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the delayed nomination of the new Commission.