Data Protection Day 2026: Reset or Refine?
by European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) and Council of Europe (CoE)
Data Protection Day 2026: Reset or Refine? is a one-day conference co-organized by the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) and the Council of Europe (CoE) to commemorate the signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding treaty protecting privacy in the digital age. The event aims to explore new frontiers in data protection, focusing on the challenges and opportunities that arise when innovation and emerging technologies intersect with privacy risks and the regulatory framework.
Key topics include the modernization of data protection frameworks, particularly in light of Convention 108+ and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Discussions will center on how Europe can maintain its leadership in data protection amidst rapid technological advancements, ensuring agility, coherence, and trust. The conference will also address the balance between regulatory simplification and strong safeguards for individuals, as well as Europe's role in inspiring a human-centric digital future.
The event will feature opening remarks by EDPS Supervisor Wojciech Wiewiórowski and closing remarks by Acting EDPS Secretary-General Thomas Zerdick. Attendees can expect a series of sessions with policymakers, regulators, academics, and practitioners, providing opportunities for networking and in-depth discussions on the future of data protection legislation.
This conference is ideal for professionals involved in data protection, privacy law, regulatory affairs, and technology policy. It offers a platform to engage with experts, gain insights into the evolving data protection landscape, and contribute to shaping the future of privacy in the digital age.
Speakers(24)
Agustín Reyna
Director General at BEUC
Agustín Reyna is the Director General of BEUC, The European Consumer Organisation, advocating for consumer rights in the EU.
Anna Berlee
Professor at Open Universiteit, Amsterdam
Anna Berlee is a Professor at Open Universiteit in Amsterdam.
Anu Bradford
Professor of Law and International Organization at Columbia Law School
Anu Bradford is the Henry L. Moses Professor of Law and International Organization at Columbia Law School, specializing in international law.
Beatriz de Anchorena
Chair at Committee of Convention 108
Beatriz de Anchorena is the Chair of the Committee of Convention 108 and Head of the Agency for Access to Public Information in Argentina.
Cristiana Teixeira Santos
Assistant Professor in Law and Technology at Utrecht University
Cristiana Teixeira Santos is an Assistant Professor in Law and Technology at Utrecht University, researching the intersection of law and technology.
Daniele Nardi
Legal Service Officer at European Data Protection Supervisor
Daniele Nardi is a Legal Service Officer at the European Data Protection Supervisor, specializing in legal matters related to data protection.
Emmanuel Netter
Professor at Strasbourg University
Emmanuel Netter is a Professor at Strasbourg University, specializing in data protection and privacy law.
Erik Wennerström
Judge at European Court of Human Rights
Erik Wennerström is a Judge at the European Court of Human Rights, adjudicating cases related to human rights and data protection.
Itxaso Domínguez de Olazábal
Policy Advisor at EDRi
Itxaso Domínguez de Olazábal is a Policy Advisor at EDRi, working on digital rights and privacy advocacy.
Jelena Virant Burnik
Deputy Chair at European Data Protection Board
Jelena Virant Burnik serves as the Deputy Chair of the European Data Protection Board, contributing to the development of data protection policies.
Jennifer Crama
Privacy Expert
Jennifer Crama is a privacy expert and host of the podcast 'Data & The City,' which explores the intersection of data protection, technology, and everyday life. She collaborated with the EDPS to produce a special episode reflecting on the key takeaways from the Data Protection Day 2026 conference.
Judith Lichtenberg
Board Member at Review Committee on the Intelligence and Security Services
Judith Lichtenberg serves as a Board Member of the Review Committee on the Intelligence and Security Services, focusing on oversight and accountability.
Maarten Daman
Data Protection Officer at European Central Bank
Maarten Daman serves as the Data Protection Officer at the European Central Bank, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
Mohamed Diop
Permanent Secretary at Personal Data Protection Commission (CDP)
Mohamed Diop is the Permanent Secretary of the Personal Data Protection Commission in Senegal, overseeing data protection initiatives.
Olivier Micol
Head of Unit at DG JUST, European Commission
Olivier Micol is the Head of Unit at DG JUST, European Commission, overseeing justice policies including data protection.
Peter Kimpian
Secretary to the Committee of the Council of Europe Privacy and Data Protection Convention at Council of Europe
Peter Kimpian is the Secretary to the Committee of the Council of Europe Privacy and Data Protection Convention, known as Convention 108. He works on preparing the entry into force and implementation of the modernised Convention 108+ and has been involved in various privacy-related matters, including law enforcement and national security.
Prof. Anna Berlee
Professor at Open Universiteit, Amsterdam
Professor Anna Berlee teaches at Open Universiteit in Amsterdam, focusing on data protection and privacy law.
Rob van Eijk
Senior Fellow at Future of Privacy Forum
Rob van Eijk is a Senior Fellow at the Future of Privacy Forum in the Netherlands, focusing on privacy and data protection issues.
Romain Robert
Head of Digital Regulation Sector at Policy and Legislative
Romain Robert is the Head of the Digital Regulation Sector at Policy and Legislative, focusing on digital policy and regulation.
Rosa Barcelo
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Lawyer at McDermott Will & Emery
Rosa Barcelo is a Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Lawyer at McDermott Will & Emery, advising clients on data protection matters.
Sophie Stalla-Bourdillon
Co-Director at Privacy Hub
Sophie Stalla-Bourdillon is the Co-Director of Privacy Hub, specializing in privacy and data protection research.
Thomas Zerdick
Acting Secretary-General at European Data Protection Supervisor
Thomas Zerdick is the Acting Secretary-General at the European Data Protection Supervisor, responsible for managing the office's operations.
Victoria de Posson
Secretary General at European Tech Alliance
Victoria de Posson serves as the Secretary General of the European Tech Alliance, representing leading tech companies in Europe.
Wojciech Wiewiórowski
European Data Protection Supervisor at European Data Protection Supervisor
Wojciech Wiewiórowski serves as the European Data Protection Supervisor, overseeing data protection within EU institutions.
Event Details
- Date
- January 28, 2026
- Location
- 🇧🇪 Brussels, Belgium
- European Commission’s Charlemagne building
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Policymakers, regulators, academics, practitioners in data protection and privacy law.