BRUSSELS – November 16, 2020 – The Global Data Alliance highlighted the benefits of cross-border data flows to Europe’s Covid-19 recovery and future economic growth, calling for openness to remain a cornerstone of the EU’s trade policy and its wider policy agenda, in comments submitted to the European Commission’s Trade and Investment Policy Review.

“Data transfers are crucial to international trade and the ability of businesses to successfully operate across every sector of the economy. Research shows that 75 percent of the value of data transfers goes to traditional industries, such as agriculture, logistics, or manufacturing. The seamless and responsible cross-border flow of data is therefore paramount to the EU’s Covid-19 recovery plan and, as stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will be a key principle of Europe's digital decade,” said Isabelle Roccia, Senior Policy Manager – EMEA at BSA | The Software Alliance. “The Global Data Alliance encourages the European Commission to make international data flows one of the building blocks of its new trade strategy and to continue to advocate for open digital trade rules on the world stage.”

The Global Data Alliance is working with governments around the globe to safeguard the ability to responsibly transfer data across borders. Find the Global Data Alliance’s full comments on Europe’s Trade and Investment Policy Review here: https://www.globaldataalliance.org/downloads/11152020GDAEUTradePolicyReview.pdf

About the Global Data Alliance

The Global Data Alliance (globaldataalliance.org) is a cross-industry coalition of companies that are committed to high standards of data responsibility and that rely on the ability to transfer data around the world to innovate and create jobs. The Alliance supports policies that help instill trust in the digital economy while safeguarding the ability to transfer data across borders and refraining from imposing data localization requirements that restrict trade.

Alliance members include BSA members and American Express, Amgen, AT&T, Citi, ITB360, LEGO, Mastercard, Medtronic, Panasonic, Pfizer, Roche, UDS, United Airlines, Verizon, VISA, and WD-40 Company. These companies are headquartered across the globe and are active in the advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, electronics, energy, financial services, health, supply chain, and telecommunications sectors, among others. BSA | The Software Alliance administers the Global Data Alliance.