The European Commission reminds on the European Data Protection Day 2013 its proposal to reform the EU’s data protection rules launched one year ago. According to the Commission, strong, reliable, consistently applied rules in this field will make data processing safer, cheaper and strengthen people’s confidence.

On 25 January 2012 the European Commission proposed a comprehensive reform of the EU's 1995 data protection rules to strengthen online privacy rights and boost Europe's digital economy. On the European Data Protection Day 2013 stressed that one year later, considerable headway has been made and negotiations on the new rules are progressing at full speed.

The Commission highlights that the main reason of the proposal is clear: To flourish, the digital economy needs trust. Many people are not confident about giving out their personal data online. This means they are less likely to use online services and other technologies. Confidence in turn drives growth. Some estimates show that EU GDP could grow by a further 4% by 2020 if the EU takes the necessary steps to create a modern digital single market.

On 8 January 2013, the European Commission welcomed the support for strong EU data protection rules expressed in the draft reports by the European Parliament on the reform proposals. Both the European Parliament and ministers meeting in the Council of the EU will continue their discussions over the coming months under the Irish Presidency of the EU.