Data Protection Day, observed annually on 28 January, aims to raise public awareness about the importance of personal data protection and to remind public authorities of their duty to safeguard privacy as a fundamental right. The European Union has been a leader in this field through the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), adopted in 2016, which enshrines privacy and data protection not only as fundamental rights but also as legal obligations within the Union.
Speaking at a panel discussion at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce organised by the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection, Emanuele Giaufret, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Serbia in advancing data protection to meet modern requirements.
“I am encouraged to see that Serbia has taken significant steps in this regard. The adoption of your Personal Data Protection Strategy 2023–2030 and the forthcoming amendments to the Law on Personal Data Protection reflect a strong commitment to aligning with international standards and EU legislation. These efforts bring Serbia closer to fulfilling one of the core requirements for EU membership—protecting the personal data of its citizens in a way that fosters trust and ensures transparency,” said Ambassador Giaufret.
However, the EU Ambassador noted that challenges remain in implementation, particularly in addressing gaps in sanctions, harmonising related laws, and ensuring sufficient resources and staffing for the Commissioner’s Office. Ambassador Giaufret emphasised that the EU remains a steadfast partner to Serbia on this journey and is committed to continuing its cooperation and support to ensure that data protection becomes not only a legal obligation but also a shared value across the region.
The Commissioner for Personal Data Protection and Free Access to Information of Public Importance, Milan Marinović, said that the primary goal in modern times, alongside the development of modern technologies, is the protection of human rights, privacy rights, and personal data.
"Without the support of public media and the help of everyone involved in this matter, such as the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice, it will be challenging to achieve this mission. We will take the lead in this fight, and I invite everyone to join us," Marinović stressed and emphasised that the Commissioner would lead the fight for personal data protection and called on other institutions to join this effort. He also pointed out that citizens themselves must be involved in the fight for personal data protection. As Marinović explained, everyone should question why someone is asking for their personal data.
Specially emphasizing the importance of cooperation and the contribution it has made over the years in strengthening data protection in Serbia, Commissioner Marinović awarded a special annual prize, among others, to the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), an implementing organisation of the project "Facility supporting Strengthening Rule of Law in Serbia" (EU FOR FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION AND FOR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS), which are jointly financed by the European Union and Germany.
About Privacy and Data Protection
Privacy and data protection have become increasingly significant in our everyday lives, both in the private sphere and at work. The rights to privacy and data protection have long been recognised as fundamental rights, as set out in Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Personal data refers to information relating to you or any identified or identifiable natural person that is displayed, handled, stored or accessed in a way that makes an individual directly or indirectly recognisable. Examples include a name, photo, date of birth, ID number, phone number or email address, as well as characteristics linked to a person, and data about behaviour, travel or shopping habits, including profiles on social media platforms.