BRUSSELS – In its response to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence and Public Consultation to strengthen the EU data economy through the European Data Union Strategy, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations, encouraging the Commission to focus on three key pillars: 

Boosting EU competitiveness through smarter data policies – BSA encourages the European Commission to promote policies that facilitate data sharing, improve access to high-value data, and support innovation in AI and digital services. The submission highlights the need to reduce fragmentation within Member States, prioritize a voluntary approach to data sharing, and expand the toolbox for international personal data transfers. It also calls for consistency across data-related EU legislation to foster innovation and new technologies. 

Advancing strategic autonomy through international cooperation, not protectionism – BSA urges the EU to avoid data localization and other protectionist requirements, which can hinder the free flow of data. The submission emphasizes that strategic autonomy should empower, not restrict, European actors, and that international cooperation and trust-based mechanisms are crucial for facilitating secure cross-border data flows. The Commission is encouraged to pursue ambitious digital trade chapters in Free Trade Agreements and to avoid sovereignty requirements that could harm innovation, competitiveness, and user choice. 

Simplifying the EU data regulatory landscape to accelerate innovation – BSA calls for more regulatory coherence, reduced compliance burdens, and clear guidance on the interplay between overlapping data laws. The submission recommends removing inconsistencies across data legislation, harmonizing reporting requirements, and embedding proportionality to avoid one-size-fits-all obligations. BSA also supports voluntary certification mechanisms, self-assessment by default, and enhanced public-private cooperation, including regulatory sandboxes and shared infrastructure. 

"Europe has a tremendous opportunity to shape a globally competitive data economy rooted in trust, innovation, and openness," said Irma Gudžiūnaitė, Director – Policy, EMEA. "By enabling responsible data use, ensuring legal clarity, and aligning with international best practices, the EU can empower businesses and citizens alike to benefit from digital transformation." 

BSA stands ready to collaborate with the European Commission and stakeholders to realize this vision and help deliver a modern, globally integrated data policy framework that strengthens the internal market and supports Europe’s digital ambitions.