The renewal means that personal data can flow freely between the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK, because the UK legal framework’s data protection safeguards are essentially equivalent to those in the EU.

The move follows the Commission’s technical extension, in June 2025, of its 2021 adequacy decisions with the UK – one under the General Data Protection Regulation and the other concerning the Law Enforcement Directive – for a period of six months, as they were set to expire on 27th December 2025.

This extension allowed the Commission to assess the legal framework in the UK as amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act.

The new decisions are subject to a sunset clause of six years, running until 27th December 2031, with the possibility of renewal. The Commission and representatives of the European Data Protection Board will review the functioning of the adequacy decisions after four years.

Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, said: “The renewal of our adequacy decisions benefits businesses and citizens alike on both sides of the Channel. It ensures the free flow of personal data between the EEA and the UK in full compliance with data protection rules while reducing costs and administrative burdens. This continuity allows European companies to keep sharing data seamlessly with their UK partners, supporting innovation, competitiveness and trusted digital cooperation.”

Michael McGrath, commissioner for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection, said: “The UK is an important strategic partner for the European Union and the adequacy decisions form a central pillar of this partnership. By enabling the free flow of personal data, they underpin both commercial exchanges and cooperation in the fields of justice and law enforcement. Their renewal reflects the Commission’s assessment that the UK’s legal framework continues to provide robust safeguards for personal data that remain closely aligned with EU standards, including in the context of recent legislative developments.”