Unlocking the potential of high-value datasets: The impact of the HVD
implementing regulation
As June 2024 approaches, the High-Value Dataset (HVD) Implementing
Regulation [http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2023/138/oj] will enter
into force, bringing significant changes to the European open data
landscape. But what exactly does this regulation entail, and how will
it impact data accessibility and reuse across Member States?

The roots of the HVD Implementing Regulation can be traced back to
earlier EU legislation, particularly the Open Data Directive
[http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1024/oj] and the INSPIRE
Directive [http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2007/2/oj], which established
frameworks for the reuse of public sector information and promoted the
sharing of geospatial data for environmental policies and initiatives.
The HVD Implementing Regulation delineates HVDs into six categories of
data that bring important benefits for social, economic, and
environmental reasons: geospatial data, earth observation,
environmental data, statistics, company ownership, and mobility. By
categorising datasets into these groups, the implementing act offers
clarity on their scope and coverage, facilitating their identification
and publication by Member States.

Among the changes introduced by the Implementing Regulation is the
provision for high-value datasets to be made publicly available on
national data portals, free of charge, and accessible through both
application programming interfaces (APIs) and bulk downloads.
Moreover, specific technical and legal requirements, including the use
of open data licenses and machine-readable formats, are mandated for
these datasets, ensuring their accessibility and reusability. By
clarifying conditions for data reuse and promoting transparency in
reusability arrangements, the Implementing Regulation aims to foster
greater utilization of valuable data resources while ensuring
consistency and fairness in data access policies across the EU.

As we await the enforcement of the High-Value Dataset Implementing
Regulation, learn more on the European Commission’s ‘step-by-step
access guide
[https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/factpages/open-data-and-high-value-datasets-step-step-access-guide]’
to find out how to access open data, including high-value datasets.
Stay tuned for the upcoming reports and more news on data.europa
[https://data.europa.eu/en] about how this regulation will make
valuable data more accessible.

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Publication Date/Time
2024-05-24T08:00:00+00:00
A closer look at changes in the European open data landscape