Common European Data Spaces are an essential infrastructure for democratising access to high-quality data. According to the Commission, a data space "brings together relevant data infrastructures and governance frameworks to facilitate the pooling and sharing of data".
Launched in February 2020 by the European Commission, the European Data Strategy aims to position the European Union as a model in which the means of action are strengthened by data.
The aim of these measures is to encourage the unhindered use of data within the EU, while promoting scientific research and innovation.
| THE PILLARS | WHAT IMPACT? |
|---|---|
| Focus on service and the user | Users play a central role in these spaces. They establish a representative authority and can freely offer or consume data and associated services. This user-centred approach ensures that the data spaces actually meet the real needs of the participants. |
| Principle of decentralisation | Decentralisation avoids monopolies by distributing power and decision-making among all users. |
| Common standards and interoperability | Standards enable automation and interoperability between participants. These shared standards facilitate the exchange of data between different systems and organisations, reducing technical friction and maximising the value of shared data. |
The European Data Strategy is the European Union's blueprint for regaining control of its data: by creating secure and interoperable spaces, it is helping to strengthen its strategic autonomy in the data economy and the provision of European cloud services.
- The European Common Data Spaces are open to participation by all organisations and individuals.
- These areas are based on a robust technical infrastructure designed to ensure data security and respect for privacy.
- The clear, practical structure governs access to and use of the data.