Unlocking the potential of high-value datasets: The impact of the HVD implementing regulation

As June 2024 approaches, the High-Value Dataset (HVD) Implementing Regulation will enter into force, bringing significant changes to the European open data landscape. But what exactly does this regulation entail, and how will it impact data accessibility and reuse across Member States?

The roots of the HVD Implementing Regulation can be traced back to earlier EU legislation, particularly the Open Data Directive and the INSPIRE Directive, which established frameworks for the reuse of public sector information and promoted the sharing of geospatial data for environmental policies and initiatives. The HVD Implementing Regulation delineates HVDs into six categories of data that bring important benefits for social, economic, and environmental reasons: geospatial data, earth observation, environmental data, statistics, company ownership, and mobility. By categorising datasets into these groups, the implementing act offers clarity on their scope and coverage, facilitating their identification and publication by Member States.

Among the changes introduced by the Implementing Regulation is the provision for high-value datasets to be made publicly available on national data portals, free of charge, and accessible through both application programming interfaces (APIs) and bulk downloads. Moreover, specific technical and legal requirements, including the use of open data licenses and machine-readable formats, are mandated for these datasets, ensuring their accessibility and reusability. By clarifying conditions for data reuse and promoting transparency in reusability arrangements, the Implementing Regulation aims to foster greater utilization of valuable data resources while ensuring consistency and fairness in data access policies across the EU.

As we await the enforcement of the High-Value Dataset Implementing Regulation, learn more on the European Commission’s ‘step-by-step access guide’ to find out how to access open data, including high-value datasets. Stay tuned for the upcoming reports and more news on data.europa about how this regulation will make valuable data more accessible.

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