The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) is an independent European body, which contributes to the consistent application of data protection rules throughout the European Union, and promotes cooperation between the EU’s data protection authorities.

The EDPB is composed of representatives of the national data protection authorities and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS). The EDPB is established by Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation). The European Commission has the right to participate in the activities and meetings of the Board without voting right.

The EDPB has a Secretariat, which is provided by the EDPS. A Memorandum of Understanding determines the terms of cooperation between the EDPB and the EDPS.

EDPB aims to ensure the consistent application in the European Union of the General Data Protection Regulation and of Directive (EU) 2016/680 (European Law Enforcement Directive).

EDPB can adopt general guidance to clarify the terms of European data protection laws, giving the stakeholders a consistent interpretation of their rights and obligations.

EDPB is also empowered by the General Data Protection Regulation to make binding decisions towards national supervisory authorities to ensure a consistent application.

With regard to the tasks and duties of EDPB, they are regulated by Article 70 of General Data Protection Regulation, out of which we mention the following tasks:

provide general guidance (including guidelines, recommendations and best practice) to clarify the law in the data protection field;

advise the European Commission on any issue related to the protection of personal data and new proposed legislation in the European Union;

adopt consistency findings in cross-border data protection cases;

promote cooperation and the effective exchange of information and best practice between national supervisory authorities.

Moreover, according to Article 70 of the General Data Protection Regulation, EDPB draws up an annual report on its activities regarding the protection of natural persons with regard to processing in the Union and, where relevant, in third countries and international organizations. The report shall be made public and be transmitted to the European Parliament, to the Council and to the Commission.

The documents adopted by EDPB are available here.