Institutional cooperation: EDPS unveils new model for safer transfer of personal data

The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has published today its Model Administrative Arrangement (Model) for transfers of personal data from EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (EUIs) to International Organisations. The Model aims to help EUIs comply with the applicable EU data protection law, Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, when they need to transfer personal data to International Organisations, within the remit of their role.

Wojciech Wiewiórowski, EDPS, said: “Depending on the nature of their work, EUIs may have to transfer personal data to International Organisations to fulfil important objectives, such as providing food assistance or advocating for individuals’ rights, for example. In this context, it is one of my institution’s priorities to ensure that individuals’ personal data is protected according to EU standards both inside and outside the EU/European Economic Area. The new Model Administrative Arrangement allows EUIs to prepare effectively for possible transfers of personal data to International Organisations, in a comprehensive way”.

To ensure its practical application by EUIs, the Model places emphasis on data protection’s core principles and puts in place the necessary safeguards, as a way to ensure a level of protection essentially equivalent to that guaranteed by EU legislation.

As such, the administrative arrangements concluded by EUIs with International Organisations using the model published today will continue to require the EDPS’ approval. However, its use by EUIs will greatly facilitate the approval process, to the benefit of both parties and the individuals concerned.