EIMIN drafted an implementing law for the EU Data Act

Lithuania is entering an important phase in the implementation of the European Union Data Act, with the Ministry of Economy and Innovation preparing a national draft law to align the country’s legal framework with the new EU rules and open up wider possibilities for the use of data by businesses, consumers, and the public sector.

The bill has already been approved by the government and will be submitted to the Seimas for consideration in the near future. It is expected that, with the adoption of the law, Lithuania will be able to engage more effectively in the growing European data economy and strengthen its competitiveness in the field of innovation.

Increased access to data generated by the Internet of Things

One of the main objectives of the EU Data Act is to ensure users’ right to access data generated by internet-connected devices, mostly associated with the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. This includes both everyday consumer products, such as cars and smartwatches, as well as complex medical, industrial, and agricultural devices.

To date, a large share of such data has remained under the control of manufacturers or service providers. The new legal framework aims to change this practice by making it easier for consumers and businesses to access the data they generate and use it to develop alternative services, analyses, or new solutions.

Boosting innovation and small businesses

According to the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, stand to benefit from a more open data environment. Access to data from connected products will reduce dependence on big tech companies and enable the development of competitive aftermarket services, ranging from maintenance solutions to advanced data analytics tools.

The projected economic impact at the EU level is particularly significant. The European Commission estimates that the successful implementation of the Data Act by 2028 could increase gross domestic product by almost two percentage points, attract tens of billions of euros in investment, and create more than two million new jobs.

Clear supervision and responsibility

The national draft law provides that the Communications Regulatory Authority will serve as the main supervisory authority. It will be empowered to oversee compliance with the provisions of the Data Act, handle complaints, conduct investigations, and impose liability for infringements.

The law also defines dispute resolution mechanisms and certification issues, which are particularly relevant for companies providing data and cloud services. Clearer rules should reduce legal uncertainty and encourage investment in data-driven solutions.

Strategic importance for Lithuania’s digital development

The EU Data Act became applicable as a regulation in all Member States in September 2025, making national implementation decisions crucial for its practical functioning. For Lithuania, this is not only a formal legal obligation but also an opportunity to accelerate the development of the data economy, create high added value, and ensure greater user control over data.

With the adoption of the law, Lithuania could establish itself more firmly as an innovation-friendly country, ready to harness the potential of data at both the national and European levels.

According to EIMIN inf.