News : EU: The Commission proposes a comprehensive reform of the data protection rules

Where the exchange of human biological samples for research purposes includes the processing of personal data, EU and national laws regulating such activities must be respected.

The EU Commission reform proposals include the issues related to research activities such as transfer and processing for scientific research as this issue was included to some extent in the Directive 95/46/EC.

While the central aims of the reform are to simplify existing rules in many areas, to strengthen online privacy rights, to boost Europe's digital economy and to take into account technological progress and globalisation that have profoundly changed the way data is collected, accessed and used, the Commission proposed a new framework including in research activities through legislative proposals.

The Commission proposes to enact a General Regulation on data protection, COM(2012) 11/4 draft, as a way to reinforce harmonisation of individuals' rights accross the EU. Data processing for research purposes and international data transfers are regulated through this proposed general Regulation. International cooperation should be facilitated.

The Commission's proposals will be considered by the Council and the European Parliament, who have the right to reject the proposals, or propose amendments.

More information and the text of the Regulation are availbale on the official website of the Commission.

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