Europe wants to facilitate data flows from China

Brussels – Negotiators from the European Commission and China have started talks on ways to make the transfer of non-personal data easier. Due to restrictions imposed by China, European companies are finding it increasingly difficult to export data.

Data flows are an essential part of trade. Foreign direct investments depend significantly on the ability of companies to manage their data across borders. This is especially important in sectors such as finance and insurance, but also in pharmaceuticals, the automotive industry, and ICT. Research and development also rely on data transfers.

However, it has become increasingly difficult for European companies to export their data from China to Europe. For security reasons, Beijing restricts the transfer of “important data,” but this concept is interpreted very broadly in China. This has led to a further decline in the confidence of European investors in China, argues the Commission.

Technical experts are now looking for a way to facilitate data flows between the EU and China. In the next phase, the discussion will continue at a political level.

The European Commission had previously reached a principle agreement with the Chinese government to make it easier for European companies to transfer their non-personal data and to comply with Chinese data laws. During their visit to Beijing, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel already raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping in December last year. (28/09/2024)