A group of seven MEPs from the European People's Party (PPE), led by Christophe Gomart, has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission on 23 April 2026, pressing for reforms to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to allow business information providers (BIPs) to process sole traders' professional data without the current legal complexities. The MEPs argue that the GDPR's failure to distinguish between personal and professional data for sole traders creates a data gap that harms the competitiveness of European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and undermines the single market.
The question, filed under Rule 144, asks the Commission whether it is aware of the negative effects of the current interpretation, including increased complexity, economic exclusion of sole traders, and obstacles to anti-money laundering efforts. The MEPs specifically request concrete steps to reform GDPR enforcement to enable a clear distinction between personal and professional data, allowing proportionate and lawful processing of sole traders' business information.
Policy orientation and ambition
The MEPs' question reveals a clear policy orientation: they advocate for a more business-friendly interpretation of GDPR that reduces administrative burdens on BIPs and sole traders. The ambition is to align data protection rules with the European Data Strategy and single market goals, promoting fair, transparent, and competitive markets. The question does not set numerical targets or deadlines but calls for a practical, reuse-friendly framework for BIPs.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it shares the MEPs' concerns and is willing to propose legislative or interpretative changes to GDPR, potentially impacting data protection enforcement across the EU.