EDPB issues Helsinki Statement: support and clarity for small and medium-sized actors

On 1–2 July, the European Data Protection Board met in Helsinki for a two-day high level meeting to discuss common outlines for future work. In the statement issued at the meeting, the data protection authorities agreed on new measures to facilitate compliance with data protection regulations, to increase dialogue with stakeholders and to develop cooperation between authorities in different sectors.

European data protection authorities have agreed on new measures to simplify compliance with data protection legislation, especially for small and medium-sized organisations.

To support organisations, practical tools, such as ready-to-use templates, checklists and guides, will be created to provide easy-to-understand and practical guidance on the GDPR.

“The EDPB wants to support organisations of all sizes so that they can easily meet data protection requirements. In this way, technology can be developed in accordance with European values and a stronger and more crisis-resilient digital economy can be built,” says Anu Talus, Chair of the European Data Protection Board and Finnish Data Protection Ombudsman.

Joint action to support coherence

The statement also agrees on measures to further harmonise the application and interpretation of the GDPR in EU countries. Among other things, the EDPB will publish the opinions of national data protection authorities and courts on key data protection issues. These will provide organisations with information on the practical interpretations of the General Data Protection Regulation.

Data protection authorities are also developing common practices to harmonise the guidelines of the EDPB and national data protection authorities.

EDPB commits to close cooperation with stakeholders and authorities in other sectors

The EDPB also agreed to strengthen dialogue with stakeholders. The measures include early-stage dialogues, identification of sectors requiring additional support, reporting on the results of public consultations and the opportunity for stakeholders to give feedback.

The data protection authorities also agreed on measures to promote cross-sectoral cooperation in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

“All of the measures agreed upon will support the activities of organisations, create opportunities for responsible innovation and strengthen European competitiveness”, says Talus.

Further information:

​​​​​​​Helsinki Statement on the EDPB website (PDF)

EDPB Chair, Data Protection Ombudsman Anu Talus, anu.talus(at)om.fi, tel. +358 29 566 6766

Press release on the EDPB website: The Helsinki Statement on enhanced clarity, support and engagement (3 July 2025)