SERN (“we”, “us”, or “our”) operates the website https://rethink-the-city.eu as part of the EU-funded project RETHINK. This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data when you use our services and your associated rights under applicable data protection regulations.
About SERN
The Sweden Emilia Romagna Network (SERN) is a non-profit, transnational network fostering cooperation between Northern and Southern Europe—particularly between Sweden and Italy. SERN stands out as:
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The only bilateral network in the EU connecting actors from both Northern and Southern Europe.
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A multilevel network involving municipalities, regions, and other public bodies.
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A network open to civil society organisations and private actors.
SERN is based in Italy.
Our Privacy Commitment
SERN complies with all applicable privacy laws, including the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – Regulation (EU) 2016/679. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect and process your personal data in the context of the RETHINK project.
Personal Data refers to any information relating to an identifiable natural person.
Sensitive Personal Data includes information such as racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, biometric or health data, and other special categories as defined under GDPR.
By engaging in the RETHINK project (e.g. participating in events, surveys, workshops), you provide your free, specific, informed and unambiguous consent to the processing of your personal data as described in this policy.
What Data We Collect and Process
As part of RETHINK activities, we may collect and process the following:
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Directly identifying information (e.g. name, email address, photos)
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Demographic data (e.g. age, gender, professional background)
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Behavioural and preference data related to participation and engagement
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Materials you choose to submit or share with us (e.g. images, videos, feedback)
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Profile information shared through social media, if relevant to participation
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Audio/video recordings from events, interviews, or workshops
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Sensitive data (only when explicitly and voluntarily provided with consent)
How We Use Your Data
We use your data for the following purposes:
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To implement project activities in line with contractual and legal obligations
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To communicate with you about your participation (events, follow-up, etc.)
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To conduct aggregated analysis and produce anonymised project outputs
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For quality assurance, reporting, and research purposes
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To evaluate impact and improve future project delivery
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To anonymise and store data for academic or historical research
We will never use your data for commercial purposes.
Use of Cookies and Digital Technologies
When visiting the website rethink-the-city.eu, we may collect certain data automatically, including:
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IP address, browser type, device information
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Use of cookies for functionality, security, and statistical purposes
You may adjust your browser settings to decline cookies or delete them at any time.
Your Rights Under GDPR
You have the right to:
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Access, update or delete your personal data
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Restrict or object to the processing of your data
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Request correction of inaccurate data
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Withdraw consent at any time
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Request data portability (transfer of your data)
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File a complaint with the appropriate data protection authority
To exercise these rights, please contact us at: privacy@sern.eu
Children’s Data
We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 18. If a child’s data is processed (e.g. via a school activity), this is done only with prior consent from a parent or legal guardian, in accordance with GDPR.
International Data Transfers
In some cases, your data may be processed by project partners or service providers located outside the EU. In such cases, we ensure adequate safeguards are in place, including the use of EU Standard Contractual Clauses, to guarantee a comparable level of data protection.
Data Security and Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined above and in accordance with legal requirements. Once no longer needed, data will be anonymised or securely deleted. We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact:
SERN – Sweden Emilia Romagna Network
📧 Email: privacy@sern.eu
🌐 Website: www.sern.eu
Last updated: 21 May 2025