Europe strengthens trade‑secret protection and data‑sovereignty rules

European legal frameworks are tightening safeguards for commercial confidential information and data‑sovereignty. One analysis outlines the definition of trade secrets—including non‑public status, commercial value and protective measures—and highlights the pivotal role of judges in balancing the right to confidentiality with the right to evidence in commercial disputes. The piece notes the importance of these protections for sectors such as pharmaceuticals.

A related commentary stresses the growing relevance of digital sovereignty for organisations, urging them to verify the physical location of data, the jurisdiction governing it, and who can compel access. It warns that “cloud‑act” obligations can apply to data hosted by U.S. providers even when stored in Europe, and recommends favouring French or European vendors that operate under GDPR and forthcoming NIS2 rules. Together, the articles call for greater transparency and control over both trade‑secret information and data‑hosting arrangements.