Transatlantic digital economy and data protection : state-of-play and future implications for the EU's external policies

The internet has created a new global nervous system affecting all aspects of European society, politics and business; this will accelerate as we enter the era of the digitisation of everything. This digital transformation has enormous implications for the transatlantic relationship, especially in light of the differences that have developed concerning the appropriate balance between personal data protection, economic growth and national security. This study details how digital and data issues will be handled in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership; explains how this intersects with the new EU-US Privacy Shield Agreement and the broader implications of the judgment on Safe Harbour; and explores key issues in transatlantic law enforcement cooperation before highlighting a few broader foreign policy issues and laying forth some recommendations for the EU institutions.