> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://frameworks.greendealdata.eu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://frameworks.greendealdata.eu/governnace-frameworks/gdds-rulebook.md).

# GDDS Rulebook

## Purpose&#x20;

The GDDS Rulebook is the authoritative set of rules that governs participation in, and the operation of, the Green Deal Data Space (GDDS). It defines who may participate, on what terms, how trust is established and maintained, how data sovereignty is respected, and how compliance is verified and enforced. In short, it turns the GDDS mission — a trusted, interoperable, and sustainable data space for environmental and sustainability data in support of the European Green Deal — into binding, operational commitments.&#x20;

The Rulebook is the reference point for every participant. Adherence to it is a condition of participation: by joining the GDDS, participants accept the rights, obligations, and processes set out here.&#x20;

## Scope&#x20;

The Rulebook covers the governance and participation dimensions of the GDDS. Specifically, it sets out:&#x20;

* the roles participants and governance bodies may hold, and the rights and responsibilities attached to each;&#x20;
* the participation lifecycle — identification, admission, onboarding, monitoring, and, where necessary, suspension, revocation, or withdrawal;&#x20;
* the trust framework through which participants are identified, authenticated, and authorised;&#x20;
* the conformity and enforcement mechanisms that verify compliance and uphold the rules;&#x20;
* the governance of data sovereignty, including how access and usage rights are defined and respected;&#x20;
* and the governance touchpoints for the technical components and standards on which the data space depends.&#x20;

The Rulebook does not restate the full technical specifications, contractual templates, or business model of the GDDS. These are addressed in the Technical, Legal, and Business Frameworks, respectively, to which the Rulebook refers where relevant. Where a rule has a technical or contractual counterpart, the Rulebook states the governance requirement and points to the framework that implements it.&#x20;

## Applicability&#x20;

The Rulebook applies to all GDDS participants and governance bodies, collectively, the internal stakeholders of the data space, from the moment of admission and for the duration of their participation. It binds organisations and the individuals acting on their behalf, across the roles they hold.&#x20;

External stakeholders, such as regulators, sectoral bodies, and end-user communities, are not bound by the Rulebook. Their interests are nonetheless taken into account to support transparency and responsible governance, and they may engage with the GDDS through mechanisms such as the Community of Practice.&#x20;

The Rulebook is a living document. It is maintained under the authority of the GDDS governance bodies and evolves as the data space matures from its initial operational phase (MVP1) towards a fully operational data space (MVP2), and as the European regulatory landscape develops. Changes are made through the governance processes defined within it.&#x20;

## How this Rulebook is structured&#x20;

The Rulebook is organised so that a reader can move from the rules of participation through to their enforcement and technical governance. Readers can expect the following:&#x20;

* Trust & Participant Governance sets out the participation lifecycle from end to end — how participants are identified, admitted, onboarded, monitored, and, where necessary, suspended or withdrawn — together with the roles, rights, and trust conditions that apply throughout.&#x20;
* Conformity Framework & Governance Enforcement describes how compliance is verified and how the rules are enforced, including the conformity mechanisms that the lifecycle steps invoke.&#x20;
* Data Sovereignty sets out how rights and control over data are governed, ensuring data is used only as permitted by the data rights holder.&#x20;
* Technical Governance describes the governance of the technical components and standards through which the data space operates, linking governance requirements to their technical implementation.&#x20;

Readers new to the GDDS are encouraged to begin with Trust & Participant Governance, which establishes the concepts and roles that the later sections build upon. Those concerned with a specific question, a participant's obligations, the conformity regime, or how data usage rights are upheld may consult the relevant section directly.&#x20;