Targeted consultation on safeguarding the EU’s data sovereignty

The European Commission has launched a targeted consultation to address critical challenges to the EU's data sovereignty, a move underscoring its commitment to strengthening digital autonomy. This initiative seeks to gather insights on how data flows and dependencies impact European organizations in an international digital landscape, aiming to identify potential risks and barriers. The consultation is a direct response to the growing recognition that data is foundational for Europe's competitiveness, security, and its ambition to lead in AI. The consultation, open until September 8, 2026, invites a wide array of stakeholders across the data value chain to share their experiences. Key areas of focus include obstacles to accessing or transferring data to and from third countries, as well as concerns surrounding third-party access to sensitive European data. These insights will inform policy development aimed at securing data flows and bolstering the EU's global position in the digital economy, building upon the November 2025 Data Union Strategy. These efforts are intricately linked to the broader European Tech Sovereignty Package, which targets advancements in crucial digital sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and open-source technologies. By addressing data sovereignty, the EU aims to foster greater digital autonomy, enhance its capacity in key technological areas, and build a more resilient and sustainable digital future aligned with European values.