Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

The European Commission and Brazil have adopted Mutual Sufficiency Decisions, confirming that their data protection standards are converging. Recognizing the high data protection standards that safeguard consumers and citizens in both countries, these agreements now allow companies, public authorities, and researchers to freely exchange data between the European Union and Brazil.

By ensuring the free and secure flow of personal data between the EU and Brazil without any additional requirements, digital trade between the two countries will receive a significant boost. These decisions will reduce costs and guarantee certainty and legal stability for European companies already invested in Brazil, as well as for Brazilian companies expanding into the EU market. These agreements create the world’s largest free and secure data flow area, benefiting 670 million consumers in the EU and Brazil.

These Mutual Sufficiency Decisions follow the historic European Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and the Interim Trade Agreement (iTA) signed on January 17 between the EU and Mercosur. These decisions will form a cornerstone for strengthening trade between the EU and Brazil and send another strong geopolitical signal, reaffirming the EU and Brazil’s shared commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order.

“Today, the EU is deepening its relationship with one of its most important strategic and like-minded partners,” said Hina Virkkonen, Executive Vice-President for Sovereignty, Technology, Security and Democracy. “Our decision on the adequacy of mutual standards is a key step towards greater integration of our economies. This decision will open up new opportunities for our companies and boost innovation, benefiting millions of consumers in Europe and South America.”

Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, stated: “Brazil has established a robust framework for privacy and data protection that guarantees fundamental rights. Together, we have created the world’s largest area for secure cross-border data flows, covering more than 670 million people. This agreement promotes digital trade, supports businesses of all sizes, and sets a global standard demonstrating that strong privacy protections can coexist with innovation and growth. It sends a clear message: fundamental rights do not stop at borders, giving consumers confidence that their data is respected and protected.”

The adoption of the Mutual Adequacy Decisions follows an opinion from the European Data Protection Council and the approval of EU Member States under the Commission procedure. The European Commission will review the effectiveness of the Mutual Adequacy Decision after four years.

Later today, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, participated in a ceremony in Brasilia, Brazil, to celebrate this historic achievement.