Privacy Policy

1. Data Controller

In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (“GDPR”), this Privacy Policy describes how personal data are collected and processed through the website:

MARE Network – Mutual Academic Recognition in Europe

available at:

https://marenetwork.info

The Data Controller is:

CIMEA – Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence
Viale XXI Aprile 36
00162 Rome, Italy

Email: info@cimea.it
Website: https://www.cimea.it

2. Scope of this Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to all users accessing the MARE Network website and its related services, including information pages, contact forms, event registrations, newsletters, and all dissemination and networking activities carried out through the platform.

3. Personal Data Collected

3.1 Navigation Data

When users access the website, certain technical data are automatically collected, including:

  • IP address;

  • browser type and version;

  • operating system;

  • device information;

  • date and time of access;

  • visited pages;

  • referring URLs;

  • technical logs necessary for security and maintenance.

These data are processed primarily in aggregated form and are not used to directly identify users, except where necessary for security or legal obligations.

3.2 Data Provided Voluntarily by Users

Users may provide personal data when interacting with the website, for example through:

  • contact forms;

  • event registration forms;

  • newsletter subscription forms;

  • participation in surveys, consultations, or networking activities.

The data collected may include:

  • first name and surname;

  • email address;

  • institution or organization;

  • professional role or position;

  • country of residence or affiliation;

  • content of messages or submissions.

4. Purposes of Processing

Personal data are processed for the following purposes:

a) Website Operation and Maintenance

To ensure the proper functioning, security, and technical management of the website.

b) Communication and Support

To respond to inquiries and provide information requested by users.

c) Event and Network Activities

To organize and manage conferences, workshops, webinars, meetings, and other activities promoted by the MARE Network.

d) Networking and Stakeholder Engagement

To facilitate communication and collaboration among higher education institutions, ENIC-NARIC centres, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders.

e) Newsletter and Updates

Where consent is provided, to send newsletters, updates, invitations, and information related to MARE Network activities and initiatives.

f) Legal and Administrative Compliance

To comply with legal obligations, reporting requirements, and obligations arising from European Union-funded projects.

g) Statistical and Analytical Purposes

To analyze website traffic and user engagement using analytics tools.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

Personal data are processed on the following legal bases:

  • consent of the data subject, where applicable;

  • performance of pre-contractual or contractual measures;

  • legitimate interests of the Data Controller in managing and promoting network activities;

  • compliance with legal obligations;

  • compliance with requirements related to EU-funded projects and cooperation frameworks.

6. Google Analytics

This website uses Google Analytics to collect aggregated statistical information about website usage.

Information collected may include:

  • pages visited;

  • duration of visits;

  • user interactions;

  • approximate geographic location;

  • browser and device data.

Google Analytics cookies are activated only after user consent, where required, via the Cookiebot consent management platform.

More information is available at:

https://policies.google.com/privacy

7. Cookies and Consent Management

The website uses technical cookies necessary for its operation and, where applicable, analytical and third-party cookies.

Cookie preferences are managed through Cookiebot, which allows users to:

  • accept or reject specific cookie categories;

  • modify consent preferences at any time;

  • access detailed cookie information.

A full Cookie Policy and Cookie Declaration are available on the website.

8. Newsletter and Communications

Where users subscribe to newsletters, their personal data are used exclusively to send communications related to:

  • MARE Network initiatives;

  • events and webinars;

  • publications and reports;

  • updates on automatic recognition and higher education cooperation.

Users may unsubscribe at any time using the link included in each email or by contacting the Data Controller.

9. Data Processing Methods

Personal data are processed using electronic and organizational measures ensuring:

  • confidentiality;

  • integrity;

  • availability;

  • protection against unauthorized access, alteration, or loss.

Access to data is restricted to authorized personnel and service providers acting under contractual obligations.

10. Data Retention

Personal data are retained only for as long as necessary to achieve the purposes described in this Policy.

Where processing is related to EU-funded projects, retention periods may be extended in accordance with:

  • European Commission requirements;

  • Erasmus+ or other EU programme rules;

  • auditing and reporting obligations;

  • applicable legal provisions.

Newsletter data are retained until consent is withdrawn.

11. Data Recipients

Personal data may be shared with:

  • authorized staff of the Data Controller;

  • IT service providers and hosting companies;

  • project partners and network members;

  • European institutions and funding bodies;

  • auditors and professional advisers;

  • public authorities, where required by law.

Personal data will not be sold or disclosed for commercial purposes.

12. International Data Transfers

Where personal data are transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA), such transfers will be carried out in compliance with Chapter V of the GDPR, using appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission.

13. Rights of Data Subjects

Under the GDPR, users have the right to:

  • access their personal data;

  • request rectification of inaccurate data;

  • request erasure of data;

  • request restriction of processing;

  • object to processing;

  • receive data in a portable format;

  • withdraw consent at any time, where applicable.

Requests may be addressed to:

info@cimea.it

14. Right to Lodge a Complaint

If users believe that the processing of their personal data violates applicable data protection laws, they have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

In Italy, the competent authority is:

Garante per la Protezione dei Dati Personali
https://www.garanteprivacy.it

15. Changes to this Privacy Policy

The Data Controller reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect legal, technical, or organizational changes.

Any updates will be published on this page and will take effect upon publication.