Omnibus package

The omnibus package

The Digital Omnibus package complements important existing initiatives such as the AI Act, the Data Act and the EU Cybersecurity Strategy. At the same time, it brings updates to key regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the ePrivacy Directive. The European Commission is thus responding to the challenges of the digital transformation and the needs of companies and users alike.
A key aim of the reform is to make the legal framework clearer and more practical. Some of the existing regulations are complex and difficult to understand, which is a major hurdle for small and medium-sized enterprises in particular. The simplifications are intended to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and strengthen the ability to innovate.

The most important changes include a more precise definition of personal data. This should create more clarity and reduce uncertainty in the application of data protection rules. A narrower and clearer definition will help companies to better understand which data falls under the protection of the GDPR and how they can process it correctly.
Another key point is the introduction of a clear legal basis for the training of artificial intelligence (AI) models based on legitimate interest. Previously, the legal situation in this area was often unclear, which posed challenges for companies. The new regulation creates a legally secure framework that promotes innovation in the field of AI while respecting data protection.
The rules for handling sensitive data are also being adapted. The aim is to ensure balanced protection that safeguards the privacy of the data subjects on the one hand, but also enables the practical usability of the data for legitimate purposes on the other. This rebalancing is intended to facilitate research and development projects in particular, which rely on sensitive data.
The package also makes things easier for scientific research. The new regulations are intended to reduce the bureaucratic burden of data processing for research purposes. This is an important step towards promoting data-driven studies and strengthening the competitiveness of European research institutions.

One particularly welcome aspect of the reform is the end of mandatory cookie banners, which many users find annoying. The Commission plans to simplify the previous requirements so that companies have less effort to obtain consent and users can enjoy a better user experience. This is a long-awaited step that should improve both user-friendliness and legal certainty.
Overall, the Digital Omnibus package represents significant progress in making digital regulation in Europe fit for the future. By reducing administrative burdens, it creates an environment that promotes responsible innovation and strengthens trust in digital services. Companies gain more legal certainty and can better focus on their core tasks.The reform also shows that the European Commission is taking the balance between data protection, security and economic development seriously. By creating clear and practicable rules, it is helping to ensure that Europe remains well positioned in the global competition for digital technologies and innovations.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the details of the Digital Omnibus Package should take a look at the official website of the European Commission. There you will find comprehensive information and further materials explaining the planned changes in detail.
The Digital Omnibus Package is an important milestone on the way to a modern, efficient and trustworthy digital single market in Europe. It shows how regulation and innovation can go hand in hand to meet the challenges of the digital future. Companies, research institutions and users alike will benefit from the planned improvements.The coming months will show how the reforms will be implemented in the Member States and what concrete impact they will have in practice. However, one thing is already clear: With the Digital Omnibus package, the European Commission is sending a strong signal for a pragmatic and future-oriented digital policy in Europe.