GDPR & Privacy Policy

Your Privacy Matters

At European Crafts Alliance (ECA), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that any personal information you share with us is handled responsibly, in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This Cookie & Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit our website (www.europeancraftsalliance.org). By using our website, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please discontinue use of the website or contact us at info@europeancraftsalliance.org. ECA reserves the right to update this policy from time to time. Please check this page regularly for any changes.

Last updated: January 2025

Privacy Policy

Information Collection

ECA collects personal information only when you voluntarily provide it, such as through online forms, emails, or participation in surveys and electronic publications.

In line with GDPR, we ensure that your personal data is collected and processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently. We only collect the personal information necessary for the purpose you have consented to, and we take appropriate measures to protect it.

How We Use Your Information

The personal information you provide will be used solely for the purpose for which it was provided. Specifically, we may use your information to:

  • Respond to inquiries or requests you make via our website or email.
  • Send you updates about specific programs, services, or opportunities you have expressed interest in.
  • Conduct research and improve our services (always in an anonymized format, unless explicitly agreed otherwise).

Please note: Providing your personal information for inquiries or specific opportunities does not automatically subscribe you to our newsletter. Newsletter subscriptions are managed separately and require your explicit consent. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so via our website.

Data Sharing

We do not share your personal information with third parties without your explicit consent, except in the following cases:

  • When the information is publicly available (e.g., listed on your website).
  • If we are compelled to do so by law or to comply with legal processes.

ECA ensures that any third parties we work with adhere to privacy standards consistent with this policy.

Your Rights under GDPR

As a data subject, you have the following rights under the GDPR:

  • Right of Access: You can request access to the personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification: You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Right to Erasure: You can request deletion of your personal data (also known as the “right to be forgotten”).
  • Right to Restrict Processing: You can request the restriction of processing of your personal data under certain circumstances.
  • Right to Data Portability: You can request a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used format.
  • Right to Object: You can object to the processing of your personal data for certain purposes, including direct marketing.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@europeancraftsalliance.org. Requests must be made in writing, and we may ask for proof of identity before processing such requests.

Newsletter Subscription and GDPR Compliance

When you subscribe to our newsletter or opt-in to receive updates from us, your personal information (e.g., email address) will be processed via Mailchimp, a third-party service provider that manages our email campaigns. We use Mailchimp to send you newsletters, updates, and other communications related to our programs, services, and opportunities.

By subscribing to our newsletter, you consent to the processing of your personal data by Mailchimp as per their Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. We ensure that all personal data shared with us for this purpose is used solely for the delivery of our newsletters and related communications.

You can unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link included in the footer of every email we send via Mailchimp. Alternatively, you can contact us directly at communication@europeancraftsalliance.org to request removal from our mailing list.

Mailchimp and Third-Party Data Processors

ECA uses Mailchimp as our third-party email service provider to send out newsletters and related communications. By subscribing to our newsletter, you agree to allow Mailchimp to process your personal data in accordance with their own privacy policy.

Mailchimp stores personal data securely and complies with GDPR requirements. For more details on how Mailchimp handles your personal data, please refer to Mailchimp’s Privacy Policy at https://mailchimp.com/legal/privacy.

Unsubscribe and Data Deletion

You can unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time. Every email we send through Mailchimp includes an unsubscribe link that you can click to opt out of future communications. Alternatively, you can contact us directly at communication@europeancraftsalliance.org to request that we remove your data from our mailing list.

Once you unsubscribe, your personal data will no longer be used to send you marketing emails, but we may retain your information in our database to comply with legal obligations or for legitimate purposes, such as record keeping.