Understanding the EU through High-Value Datasets: Highlights from the
interactive data story series
The European Data Portal [https://data.europa.eu/en] completed a
series of interactive data stories
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/high-value-datasets]
designed to show how high-value datasets can turn complex topics into
clear, accessible insights. Through compelling narratives and guided
visualisations, the series illustrates how open data supports public
debate and evidence-based policymaking across Europe. 

The first story, What Water Can Take from Us
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/high-value-datasets/what-water-can-take-from-us.html],
examines flooding risks in Spain and shows how climate data helps
communities prepare for extreme events. Everyone’s Busy – But Not
Equally
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/high-value-datasets/everyones-busy-but-not-equally.html]
explores work patterns across Europe, uncovering inequalities in how
time is spent and what this means for society and the economy. In No
Place Like Home
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/high-value-datasets/no-place-like-home.html],
readers can delve into housing trends and migration flows, revealing
how demographic change and affordability shape where people live and
move. 

The series also highlights wider vulnerabilities in The Geography of
Risk
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/high-value-datasets/the-geography-of-risk.html],
which maps countries’ exposure to economic and environmental shocks
and explains why understanding risk is essential for planning and
investment. Finally, Who Can Afford Silence?
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/high-value-datasets/who-can-afford-silence.html]
investigates noise pollution and its uneven impact on communities,
showing why access to quiet spaces matters for health and well-being.
Each story is accompanied by a visualisation note that explains how
maps and charts help translate raw data into meaningful insights. 

Together, these five stories demonstrate how open data empowers
citizens, informs better decisions, and deepens our understanding of
Europe’s shared challenges. You can explore the full series on The
European Data Portal.
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/high-value-datasets/] 

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Publication Date/Time
2025-12-08T09:00:00+00:00
Five stories reveal how high-value datasets shape our understanding of
Europe