European Commission questions the independence of the Belgian data protection authority

The European Commission said that “Belgium’s response did not address the issues raised in the official notification letter and the members concerned remained in office.” Therefore, a “reasoned opinion” has now been sent to our country. Belgium will once again have two months to take appropriate action. If our country defaults, the Commission can take the matter to the European Court of Justice.

Questions will be posed primarily to external members of the data protection authority. Among them is Chief Civil Servant Frank Rubin, who from his various positions is involved in creating and leading government data projects, which – as a member of the Data Protection Authority – also controls himself.

Rubin was questioned in the House of Representatives earlier this year about his various positions and indicated he was properly dealing with potential conflicts of interest. Something that Robin also repeats now, though he says he doesn’t stick to his position. In any case, the European Commission expects action from our country, a task for Parliament. The matter will be discussed in the House Judiciary Committee next week.