Fuel Poverty Europe (“we,” “our,” or “the organization”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled responsibly and transparently. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you interact with our website, subscribe to our updates, or participate in our programs and advocacy work.
1. Who We Are
Fuel Poverty Europe is a nonprofit network dedicated to eradicating energy poverty across Europe through research, advocacy, and collaboration.
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://fuelpoverty.eu
Fuel Poverty Europe acts as the Data Controller for all personal data processed via this website.
2. Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to all personal data collected through:
- The Fuel Poverty Europe website
- Email communications and contact forms
- Newsletter subscriptions
- Event registrations or surveys
- Research collaborations or project participation
- Partnerships, donations, or membership engagement
By using this website or providing your information, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
3. Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following types of data:
a. Information You Provide Directly
- Name, organization, and job title
- Email address and phone number
- Postal address (if applicable)
- Professional or institutional affiliation
- Information shared in surveys, feedback forms, or event registrations
- Communication preferences
b. Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system and device information
- Referring URLs and time spent on pages
- Cookies and analytics data (see Section 8)
c. Sensitive Data
Fuel Poverty Europe does not intentionally collect sensitive personal data (e.g., political opinions, health data, religious beliefs). If such information is voluntarily shared for specific research or participation purposes, explicit consent will be requested.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for legitimate nonprofit purposes, including:
- Communicating with you regarding our research, events, or policy initiatives
- Sending newsletters, updates, and invitations (only with consent)
- Managing event or workshop registrations
- Conducting surveys or research studies on energy poverty
- Improving website content, accessibility, and functionality
- Maintaining contact with members, partners, and donors
- Complying with legal obligations or reporting requirements
We will never sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties.
5. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data under the following legal grounds:
- Consent: When you voluntarily subscribe or opt in for updates.
- Legitimate Interests: When processing is necessary for our nonprofit activities, advocacy, and communications.
- Legal Obligation: When data retention is required by EU or national law.
- Contractual Necessity: When you engage in projects, research, or partnership agreements with us.
You may withdraw your consent at any time (see Section 10).
6. Data Sharing and Third Parties
We only share data when necessary and under strict confidentiality agreements, including:
- Service providers: For website hosting, email delivery, analytics, or data storage.
- Project partners: Within the scope of collaborative EU-funded or research-based initiatives.
- Regulatory authorities: If required by law or funding compliance.
All third-party processors are GDPR-compliant and contractually bound to protect your data.
7. International Data Transfers
Fuel Poverty Europe primarily stores and processes data within the European Economic Area (EEA). If data must be transferred outside the EEA, it will be safeguarded using:
- EU-approved Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
- Adequacy decisions by the European Commission
- Other recognized data protection mechanisms
8. Cookies and Analytics
Fuel Poverty Europe uses cookies to improve your website experience and analyze engagement.
Types of Cookies Used:
- Essential Cookies: Enable core functionality (e.g., form submissions, security).
- Analytical Cookies: Track page visits and usage (Google Analytics, Matomo, or similar tools).
- Preference Cookies: Remember user settings or language choices.
You can manage or delete cookies via your browser settings. For more details, please see our Cookie Policy.
9. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary for:
- The purpose for which it was collected
- Legal or reporting obligations
- Project or funding compliance requirements
Once no longer needed, data will be securely deleted or anonymized.
10. Your Data Protection Rights
Under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
- Restrict or object to processing
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Request data portability
To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We may require proof of identity to verify your request.
11. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard your personal data, including:
- Secure (SSL) website encryption
- Limited data access on a need-to-know basis
- Regular system updates and security audits
- Secure data storage and backup solutions
However, no system is entirely secure. Users share information at their own discretion.
12. Email Communications
If you subscribe to newsletters or mailing lists:
- You will receive updates and invitations related to Fuel Poverty Europe’s work.
- You may unsubscribe at any time via a link in the email footer or by contacting us.
We use GDPR-compliant email providers (e.g., Mailchimp, Brevo, or similar).
13. Children’s Privacy
Fuel Poverty Europe’s website and activities are not directed at individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If such data is discovered, it will be deleted promptly.
14. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect legal, organizational, or technological changes. The most recent version will always be posted on this page, with an updated Effective Date above.
15. Contact Us
For any questions, data access requests, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:
Fuel Poverty Europe
If you believe your data protection rights have been violated, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with your national Data Protection Authority (DPA).