The European Commission is in the process of selecting a new European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) to replace Wojciech Wiewiórowski, whose mandate is ending soon. One of the candidates in the running is Hielke Hijmans, a Dutchman currently working for the Belgian Data Protection Authority. Hijmans has confirmed his candidacy and is representing the Netherlands for the position. Wiewiórowski, the current EDPS from Poland, is also seeking re-election for another term.
The selection process includes the European Commission drafting a shortlist of three to five candidates, who will then be heard by the European Parliament and EU member states before a final choice is made. The new EDPS will be responsible for ensuring privacy compliance within EU institutions, holding them accountable for data protection rules. The role involves drafting opinions and advising on privacy-related policies and legislation.
Other potential candidates for the position include Francois Pellegrini, a former commissioner at the French data protection authority CNIL. Pellegrini recently stepped down from his role at CNIL after ten years and is currently teaching at Bordeaux University. The selection process is ongoing, and the timeline for completion is uncertain.
The EDPS plays a crucial role in protecting data privacy within the European Union and ensuring that EU institutions comply with data protection rules. The selection of a new supervisor is an important decision that will impact privacy regulations and enforcement within the EU.
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