**Questions? [[Contact us!]]** # Introduction **Purpose and scope** The [Open Data Directive](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32019L1024) aims to promote the availability and reuse of public sector information. It is designed to encourage public sector organisations within the EU to make certain types of information and data that they produce or collect available to the public for free or under specific conditions that facilitate reuse. This includes data generated by government agencies, public research institutions, and other public sector entities. It covers a wide range of data held by public sector bodies, including geographical, meteorological, legal, and financial information, among others. **Who will be affected?** The Open Data Directive affects EU member states and their public sector bodies, businesses, researchers, academia, the general public, and the open data community within the European Union. **Legislative status** The Open Data Directive came into force in July 2019 and is still applicable. ## Core principle of the Directive The core principle underlying the Open Data Directive is that government data should be open. The provisions of the Directive mention: 1. The release of non-personal data in open formats and adhering to open standards. 2. The requirement for data to be accessible in real-time and through APIs whenever feasible. 3. The introduction of new regulations regarding charges, prioritizing free reuse as a fundamental principle. 4. Encouraging the reuse of publicly funded research data. 5. The establishment of a list of High-Value Datasets (HVDs) to be defined through an Implementing Act. 6. Measures to prevent data lock-in, discouraging exclusive agreements. 7. Facilitating the reuse of data held by public undertakings, including entities like public utilities and transportation providers.