Privacy and Data Protection Policy (GDPR)
Last update: November 2025
1. Introduction
The European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN) ASBL, established under Belgian law (non-profit association), is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of its members, partners, and visitors to its website www.ermn-network.org
Privacy and Data Protection Policy (GDPR)
Last update: November 2025
1. Introduction
The European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN) ASBL, established under Belgian law (non-profit association), is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of its members, partners, and visitors to its website [www.ermn-network.org].
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR – Regulation (EU) 2016/679) and Belgian data protection law.
2. Data Controller
The data controller responsible for processing your personal data is:
European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN) ASBL
Registered Office: Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium
Email: info@ermn-network.orgFor technical management and maintenance of the website, ERMN collaborates with its IT service provider Atomic Design SRL (www.atomic-design.be), which acts as data processor under a confidentiality and data protection agreement.
3. What Data We Collect
We only collect data necessary to manage membership, communications, and network activities.
Depending on your interaction with ERMN, we may collect:
- Identification data: name, surname, organisation, position, country
- Contact details: email address, phone number, postal address
- Professional information: organisation type, sector, role, membership status
- Website usage data: IP address, browser type, navigation behaviour (via analytics cookies – anonymised)
- Communication data: emails, registrations to events, newsletter subscriptions, contact form submissions
We do not collect sensitive data (racial origin, health, political opinions, etc.).
4. How We Use Your Data
Your personal data is used exclusively for purposes related to ERMN’s activities:
- Managing membership applications and contact requests
- Sending newsletters and updates about ERMN activities, events, and publications
- Organising webinars, conferences, and training sessions
- Sharing opportunities and good practices within the network
- Maintaining communication with European and national stakeholders
- Website management, security, and analytics
We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.
5. Legal Basis for Processing
ERMN processes personal data based on one or more of the following legal bases:
- Consent: when you voluntarily register for newsletters, events, or membership
- Contractual necessity: when you are part of ERMN as a member or partner
- Legitimate interest: to maintain communication within the network and improve its services
- Legal obligation: where applicable under Belgian or EU law
6. Data Retention
We keep your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected:
- Membership and collaboration data: retained for the duration of the membership plus three years
- Event registrations and communications: up to two years after the event
- Newsletter subscription data: until you unsubscribe
- Website logs (technical): automatically deleted after twelve months
7. Your Rights
In accordance with the GDPR, you have the following rights:
- Access: obtain a copy of your personal data
- Rectification: correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Erasure (“Right to be forgotten”): request deletion of your data
- Restriction: limit how your data is processed
- Portability: receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
- Objection: oppose the processing of your data at any time, especially for direct communications
To exercise these rights, contact us at info@ermn-network.org.
Requests will be handled within 30 days.
8. Data Sharing and International Transfers
ERMN does not transfer personal data outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
If such transfers become necessary (for example, collaboration with partners outside the EU), appropriate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) will be applied.
9. Cookies and Website Analytics
The ERMN website uses only essential cookies for its functionality and anonymised analytical cookies.
When you first visit the site, you are informed about cookies and may choose to accept or decline non-essential cookies.
10. Data Security
ERMN and its partners apply appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction, including:
- Secure SSL encryption on all pages
- Access limited to authorised personnel
- Regular server monitoring and updates
11. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to external websites (such as SMARTA-NET, European Commission pages, or Member organisations).
ERMN is not responsible for their privacy practices or content. We recommend reading their respective privacy policies.
12. Updates to This Policy
This policy may be updated periodically to reflect legal, technical, or operational changes.
The latest version will always be available on this page, with the date of the last update clearly indicated.
13. Contact
For any questions or to exercise your rights regarding data protection:
Email: info@ermn-network.org
Address: ERMN ASBL, Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium