European and Global Challenges of Personal Data Protection

The European court of Justice (ECJ) only opens its doors for rare events. However, this prestigious institution based in the Kirchberg district of Luxembourg is allowing the UIA Rights of the Digital Person Commission to organise a seminar on data protection within the main courtroom of the ECJ. By two major rulings, on 8 April 2014 declaring Directive 2006/24/EC on data retention to be invalid and on 13 May 2014 in recognizing the right to be forgotten being applicable also for internet search engine operators, the ECJ has asserted its role as the gatekeeper of data protection.

Personal data protection has never been so much at heart of European and global concerns. The on-going European reform on data protection has generated passionate debate in the European Parliament which demonstrates the growing interest in this issue. The reform objectives are numerous and sometimes difficult to reconcile.

The data protection controllers, data protection officers, compliance services, security managers and lawyers must prepare for this wide ranging reform and the changes ahead especially considering that the draft regulation provides for heavy administrative sanctions in cases of violation.

The stakes are high. In the course of the seminar, we shall offer a legal and practical approach regarding the principal evolutions of existing rules to help companies and lawyers to better understand them.

The seminar will be held under the patronage of Mr. Xavier BETTEL, Prime Minister of Luxembourg and Mr. Vassilios SKOURIS, President of the European Court of Justice. The Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental rights and Citizenship from European Commission, Martine REICHERTS will honour us by opening the seminar with a welcome speech. The Vice-President of Group 29, Mr. Gérard LOMMEL and Mr. Paul NEMITZ from the European commission will introduce the seminar. The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) Peter HUSTINX will close the debate. The EDPS is an independent supervisory authority, devoted to protecting personal data and privacy and promoting good practice in the EU institutions and bodies.

We look forward to welcoming you to Luxembourg!