>>>Just EU.
>>
>>Not so certain. The countries not in the EU but wishing to more closely associated have to follow EU standards in some areas pretty closely.
>>Think Switzerland for now and UK discussions om after-Brexit status.
>>Perhaps data protection is among the topics/issues that have to be followed/implemented more or less like a mirror, dunno
>
>Exactly, outside of EU it's voluntary, not a law.

"Voluntary" insofar as a country might not implement but be kicked out of a inner circle of treaties giving them trade benefits -
"at least half-automatic" does fit as well. I think Switzerland law is in the process to implement data protection law following EU standards, pretty certain the timing and minimum scope is forced by other treaties with EU.

While such inertia will reap benefits in some areas, almost certainly not in all. Also it diminishes local democratic control - one result was Brexit, which will increase group pressure think inside EU for a lot of wrong points/topics IMO.

>
>I just feel this PITA each time someone says Europe and means EU. It's muddling the issue each time.

Tried for a weak pun already of Russia being part of Europe, as Dmitry probably knows better than both of us...
Dunno what or why something in his answer was redacted