Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the EU-funded DataPACT project. This project develops a novel architecture and suite of tools to embed compliance, ethics, privacy, and environmental sustainability directly into the design and operation of data and AI pipelines. By shifting from a reactive to a “compliance by design” approach, DataPACT enables organisations to meet regulatory requirements such as GDPR and the AI Act more efficiently, while also addressing fairness, transparency, and environmental impact. Its architecture is validated through seven diverse industrial and public sector use cases, providing a foundation for trusted, sustainable, and citizen-centric European data spaces.