On 20 October 2024, the European Union celebrates the 9th European Statistics Day under the motto ‘Official Statistics, a window for understanding society’. This day highlights the role of official statistics in providing deep and reliable insights into society, which are essential for making informed decisions about the present and future. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, trustworthy, high-quality statistics have become even more crucial. Official statistics are produced with a commitment to independence, integrity, and accountability, adhering to international standards and best

On 25 October, from 10:00 to 11:30 CEST, the data.europa academy will host the workshop ‘ How to use open data for your research ’ where participants can learn how to apply open data independently. Although the workshop is tailored for academics and students, it is suitable for all open data enthusiasts who are interested in using open data. During the workshop, experts from the University of the Aegean in Greece will discuss both how to use open data in research and how researching open data itself can drive innovation and support decision-making. Additionally, experts from the Open Data

The National Interoperability Framework Observatory (NIFO) is an initiative by the European Commission aimed at enhancing digital cooperation across Europe. By providing a comprehensive overview of interoperability activities, NIFO supports the alignment of national frameworks under the Interoperable Europe initiative, previously the European Interoperability Framework. This alignment fosters seamless digital interactions and cooperation among public administrations in EU Member States. NIFO’s role extends beyond an observational one. It engages with 35 European countries to ensure that

The  BDTI Skills Studio is a place to learn essential data skills for free. Launched in September, it will continue with a series of engaging workshops throughout October and November. Workshops are organised to equip public administrations and proactive citizens with essential data analytics skills. Moreover, participants can uncover valuable insights, enhance public services by understanding how to utilise open data, and support a better future for citizens at the local, regional, and national level. A successful series of three workshops in September have taken place already, which you can

As the global push for open data accelerates, the intersection between transparency and cybersecurity has become a critical focal point. With October being the Cybersecurity Awareness Month , we discover what role open data plays to ensure a safe digital environment. Open data initiatives offer opportunities for innovation and economic growth, but they also raise concerns about the security of sensitive information. In a digital-first world, ensuring both the free flow of non-personal data and the safeguarding of critical systems is essential for building trust. Governments and organisations

Register and join our next data.europa academy webinar ‘Safeguarding open data: cybersecurity essentials and skills for data providers’, scheduled for 4 October from 10:00 to 11:30 CEST . In light of European Cybersecurity Month , this webinar will focus on the intersection of open data and cybersecurity, addressing the growing concerns around protecting public data while ensuring its openness and usability, with the aim to provide valuable insights and practical advice for data providers, especially in the public sector.   The webinar will begin with an exploration of the current state of

This summer, we published a new report ‘ Open data needs for researchers and academics ’ . This first in a series of reports explores the links between open government data, open science, and education, this report aims to provide a better understanding of these relationships. There seems to be a disconnection between those worlds, and the reports can support government officials in expanding awareness of developments and trends in the research world. Moreover, the studies show how to increase the use of open datasets in scientific and academic work. This first report characterises three types

Germany’s GovData portal , the national platform for open government data, continues to set benchmarks in data accessibility and transparency. Launched in 2013, GovData provides a centralised point for administrative data from federal, state, and local governments, making it easier for citizens, businesses, and researchers to access and use public data. The portal hosts a large collection of datasets, covering diverse categories such as health, traffic, environment, and science and technology. With over 120,000 datasets available as of September 2024, GovData ensures that users can find

October marks the annual European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM) , an EU-wide campaign dedicated to raising awareness about digital security and cyber hygiene. Organised by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) in collaboration with the European Commission, the campaign brings together EU Member States, businesses, universities, NGOs, and citizens. Through various activities such as conferences, workshops, and webinars, the ECSM aims to enhance cybersecurity practices across Europe by sharing the latest information and promoting best practices. The ECSM serves as a place for

The ‘ Country Insights ’ section on data.europa.eu is dedicated to highlighting public administration success stories, demonstrating how the adoption and use of open data drives progress across Europe. This section offers a detailed, geography-focused perspective on the developments in each country, providing valuable insights into how open data initiatives are making an impact. Within each country profile, users can explore a variety of resources. These include factsheets that present the latest performance updates from the Open Data Maturity assessment , offering a clear view of where each