The Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) has recently published a report assessing how the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is being implemented in practice across the EU. The findings highlight both successes and ongoing challenges businesses must navigate to ensure compliance.
Key insights from the FRA report
The FRA report sheds light on how GDPR is applied in practice, focusing on businesses, data protection authorities (DPAs), and individuals. Here are some key takeaways:
- Inconsistent Enforcement Across the EU – While GDPR provides a uniform framework, its interpretation and enforcement vary across EU Member States, leading to compliance uncertainties for businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions.
- Challenges for SMEs – Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle with compliance due to complex legal requirements, limited resources, and high implementation costs.
- Data Subject Rights Remain Difficult to Exercise – Many individuals still face hurdles when attempting to access, rectify, or erase their data, with companies often failing to respond within the legal timeframe.
- DPA Overload and Resource Limitations – National Data Protection Authorities are overwhelmed with complaints and lack sufficient resources to effectively enforce GDPR, causing delays in resolving cases.
- Growing Importance of Accountability and Transparency – The report underscores the increasing expectation for businesses to document compliance efforts and be transparent about how they process personal data.
Compliance challenges for businesses
For companies processing EU citizens' personal data, the report highlights several compliance challenges:
- Varying Local Interpretations – Businesses must stay informed about national regulations beyond the core GDPR framework.
- Handling Data Subject Requests (DSRs) – Organizations must set up robust systems to respond efficiently to data subject requests within the one-month deadline.
- Cross-Border Processing Complexities – Companies operating across multiple EU countries must navigate different enforcement approaches from local DPAs.
- Vendor and Supply Chain Compliance – Organizations are increasingly held responsible for ensuring third-party vendors comply with GDPR requirements.
How EU Presence can help
At EU Presence, we assist non-EU companies in meeting GDPR obligations effectively. Our services include:
- EU GDPR Representation (Article 27) – We act as your official GDPR representative within the EU, ensuring compliance with local DPAs.
- Data Subject Request Platform – Our DSR Platform simplifies the management of customer data requests, helping you respond within the required timeframe.
- Regulatory Compliance Support – We provide tailored guidance to ensure your organization meets GDPR requirements across multiple EU jurisdictions.
Stay ahead of GDPR challenges
GDPR compliance is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and adaptation. With evolving regulatory expectations and enforcement inconsistencies, businesses must be proactive in strengthening their data protection strategies.
Need expert GDPR support? Contact us today to learn how EU Presence can help your business remain compliant and avoid regulatory risks.
