Open Data Directive (Proposed repealed)

Directive 2019/1024 on open data and the re-use of public sector information

Background and Scope

The Open Data Directive aims to promote the reuse of public sector data by ensuring that authorities make their data publicly available for further use, in other words making this data reusable. This allows businesses, researchers, and individuals to leverage government-held information to develop new products and services, ultimately stimulating innovation and economic growth.

The directive builds on the Public Sector Information (PSI) Directive, which was originally established to regulate access to and reuse of public data. In 2017, the framework was revised and renamed the Open Data Directive, providing a common legal framework across the EU to enhance transparency, data accessibility, and market competition.

By making public sector data more accessible, the directive supports the development of data-driven solutions in various fields, including artificial intelligence, smart cities, and digital services.

In November 2025, the European Commission introduced the Digital Omnibus Regulation Proposal with the aim to simplify the EU digital legal framework.  Among other proposals, the Omnibus Regulation proposed to completely repeal the Open Data Directive, together with Data Governance Act and the Free Flow of Non-Personal Data Regulation. The provisions of these instruments would be transferred to the Data Act.

Key Obligations

• Re-use of public sector information: Public and publicly founded data should be made reusable for either non-commercial, or commercial, purposes. The directive states a limitation regarding charging for making data available. Public authorities shall process a request for re-use and make the document available within a reasonable time.
• Formats, accessibility, and availability of documents: Public undertakings or public sector bodies must make their documents available in any pre-existing format or language and within a reasonable time. There is also a requirement that they need to make them, where appropriate, by electronic means in open format, accessible, machine readable, reusable and findable etc.