The Data Governance Act after one year: From ambition to action
How the EU’s framework for sharing data has taken shape and what comes next
The European Data Governance Act (DGA) marked an important step in the EU’s efforts to make more data available for reuse while keeping trust and legal safeguards in place. The Act was designed to unlock data that cannot be shared openly, such as sensitive public sector, business-to-government or personal data, and to do so in a safe and controlled way.
During its first year of application, Member States began establishing national single information points for protected public sector data, while the European Commission developed common tools, guidance and registries to support a more harmonised approach. New rules for data intermediaries and data altruism organisations also started to form, helping clarify how data can be shared responsibly across borders and sectors.
The past year has shown that implementation takes time. Countries are progressing at different speeds, and many public bodies are still adapting their processes, skills, and IT systems. At the same time, the first practical benefits are becoming visible: clearer information on what data exists, more transparency around access conditions, and growing awareness among researchers and businesses of new reuse opportunities enabled by the Act.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift from setting up to scaling up. As national services mature and more data becomes discoverable, the DGA is expected to play a stronger role in supporting innovation, research and evidence-based policymaking. Continued cooperation, shared standards and user feedback will be key to ensuring that the Act delivers on its promise of data sharing built on trust.
For more news and events, follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to our newsletter. You can also connect with other users through our collaboration channel.