CIPP/E Study Guide
IAPP Training · Module 11 - BoK IV.C / IV.D

Module 11 · The EDPB & the EDPS

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) replaced the Article 29 Working Party and ensures consistent application of the GDPR. The 30 EEA SAs each send a representative, but only the 27 EU representatives vote; the EDPS has limited voting rights and the Commission has no vote. The EDPS separately supervises the EU institutions' own compliance.

The EDPB replaced the Article 29 Working Party and is composed of a representative of every Member State's SA, presided over by an elected chair. WP29 opinions remain valid where they align with the GDPR.

EDPB composition and voting
BodyAttendVote
EEA Member State SAs30 EEA reps attend-
EU Member State SAs-Only the 27 EU reps actively participate / vote
EDPSParticipatesLimited voting rights
CommissionParticipatesNo voting rights
  • Monitor correct/consistent application and oversee the consistency mechanism
  • Issue guidance and advice to the Commission
  • Issue guidelines, recommendations and best practices (automated decisions, breach determination/notification, high-risk thresholds)
  • Preside over dispute resolution

The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) oversees the EU institutions' (Commission, Parliament) compliance, plays an ambassadorial role and issues opinions.

Voting trap

30 EEA states attend but only 27 EU representatives vote. The EDPS has limited voting rights; the Commission has none.

Key terms - quick answers

What is “European Data Protection Board (EDPB)”?
EU body of national SA representatives that ensures consistent application of the GDPR; replaced the Article 29 Working Party.
What is “Article 29 Working Party (WP29)”?
The EDPB's predecessor advisory body; its opinions remain valid where they align with the GDPR.
What is “European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS)”?
Independent authority overseeing the EU institutions' (Commission, Parliament) compliance with data protection rules; ambassadorial role and issues opinions.