Article 31

15. in Article 31, the following paragraphs 1a and 1b are inserted: 1a. The obligations laid down in Chapter VI, with the exception of Article 29, and in Article 34 shall not apply to data processing services other than those referred to in Article 30(1), where the majority of features and functionalities of the data processing service has been adapted by the provider to the specific needs of the customer, if the provision of such services is based on a contract concluded before or on 12 September 2025. The provider of such data processing services shall not be required to renegotiate or amend a contract for the provision of those services before its expiry if that contract was concluded before or on 12 September 2025. Any contractual provision contained in that contract that is contrary to Article 29(1), (2), or (3) shall be considered null and void. 1b. A provider of a data processing service may include provisions on proportionate early termination penalties in a contract of fixed duration on the provision of data processing services other than those referred to in Article 30(1). Where the provider of data processing service is a small and medium-sized enterprise or a small mid-cap, the obligations laid down in Chapter VI, with the exception of Article 29, and in Article 34 shall not apply to data processing services other than those referred to in Article 30(1), if the provision of such services is based on a contract concluded before or on 12 September 2025. Where the provider of a data processing service is a small and medium-sized enterprise or a small mid-cap, the provider shall not be required to renegotiate or amend a contract for the provision of a data processing service other than those referred to in Article 30(1) before its expiry 1 if that contract was concluded before or on 12 September 2025. Any contractual provision contained in that contract that is contrary to Article 29(1), (2), or (3) shall be considered null and void. ’;

Justification

This amendment deletes the proposed exemptions in order to preserve the effectiveness of Chapter VI and ensure that switching rights remain meaningful and enforceable in practice. Any derogations from interoperability and switching obligations should remain narrowly defined, proportionate and limited to genuinely justified situations.