Cookie Policy

Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Effective Date: February 7, 2026

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how TalentEU ("we," "us," "our") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on https://talenteu.eu ("the Platform").

By using TalentEU, you consent to our use of strictly necessary cookies. For optional cookies (analytics, marketing), we will ask for your explicit consent via a cookie banner.

This policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They help the website:

Remember your login session
Store preferences (language, theme)
Analyze how users interact with the site

Similar Technologies: We may also use:

Local Storage: Browser-based storage for settings
Session Storage: Temporary data cleared when you close the browser
Pixels/Web Beacons: Tiny images used for analytics (if enabled)

3. Why We Use Cookies

Purpose	Details
Authentication	Keep you logged in as you navigate the site
Security	Detect and prevent fraud, protect against attacks
User Preferences	Remember your language, theme, and settings
Analytics	Understand how users interact with the Platform (with consent)
Performance	Improve load times and site functionality

We do NOT use cookies for:

Selling your data to advertisers
Cross-site tracking without consent
Behavioral advertising (retargeting)

4. Types of Cookies We Use

4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies (No Consent Required)

These cookies are essential for the Platform to function. You cannot opt out of them without losing core functionality.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type
`__Secure-next-auth.session-token`	Authentication (keeps you logged in)	Session (expires on logout)	First-party
`__Host-next-auth.csrf-token`	Security (prevents CSRF attacks)	Session	First-party
`eurotalent_locale`	Stores your language preference (EN/DE/FR/ES/NL)	1 year	First-party
`admin_auth`	Admin panel authentication	Session	First-party

Legal Basis: These cookies are exempt from consent requirements under ePrivacy Directive Article 5(3) and GDPR Recital 30 because they are strictly necessary to provide the service you explicitly requested.

4.2 Analytics Cookies (Consent Required)

These cookies help us understand how users interact with TalentEU (page views, clicks, time spent). We only activate these with your consent.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration	Type	Third-Party
`_ga`	Google Analytics: Unique visitor tracking	2 years	Third-party	Google LLC
`_gid`	Google Analytics: Session tracking	24 hours	Third-party	Google LLC
`_gat`	Google Analytics: Throttle request rate	1 minute	Third-party	Google LLC

Third-Party Data Sharing: If you consent, Google Analytics collects:

IP address (anonymized by default)
Browser and device type
Pages visited and time spent

Google's Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Opt Out: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

4.3 Cookie Summary Table

Category	Consent Required?	Can Opt Out?
Strictly Necessary	❌ No (essential)	❌ No (site breaks)
Analytics	✅ Yes (opt-in)	✅ Yes (via banner or settings)
Marketing	✅ Yes (opt-in)	✅ Yes

Currently: TalentEU uses only Strictly Necessary + Analytics cookies. We do NOT use marketing/advertising cookies.

5. Cookie Banner and Consent Management

5.1 First Visit

When you first visit TalentEU, you will see a cookie consent banner with options:

Accept All: Allows all cookies (necessary + analytics)
Reject Non-Essential: Only strictly necessary cookies
Customize: Choose which cookie categories to enable
Learn More: Link to this Cookie Policy

5.2 Granular Consent (GDPR Compliant)

Strictly Necessary Cookies: Pre-selected and cannot be disabled (essential for functionality)
Analytics Cookies: Off by default; you must actively opt in

No Pre-Ticked Boxes: We comply with the CJEU Planet49 ruling (C-673/17), which prohibits pre-ticked consent boxes for non-essential cookies.

5.3 Withdrawing Consent

You can change your cookie preferences at any time:

Via Settings: Log in → Settings → Privacy & Cookies → Manage Cookie Preferences
Re-trigger Banner: Clear cookies in your browser, then revisit the site
Browser Settings: See Section 7 below

Changes take effect immediately.

6. Third-Party Cookies

6.1 Google Analytics (if consented)

Provider: Google LLC (USA, but GDPR-compliant via EU-US Data Privacy Framework)
Purpose: Aggregate usage statistics (e.g., "50% of users are on mobile")
Data Collected: Anonymized IP, browser type, pages visited
Retention: 26 months (configurable)
Your Control: Opt out via cookie banner or install Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on

6.2 Authentication Providers (OAuth)

If you sign in via Google, LinkedIn, or Microsoft, those services may set their own cookies. We do not control them. Refer to their privacy policies:

Google: https://policies.google.com/privacy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy
Microsoft: https://privacy.microsoft.com/

6.3 Payment Processors (Premium Users)

If you subscribe to premium features, Stripe or PayPal may set cookies for fraud prevention. Refer to their cookie policy.

7. How to Control Cookies

7.1 Browser Settings

You can block or delete cookies via your browser settings:

Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies
Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
Edge: Settings → Privacy → Cookies

Warning: Blocking strictly necessary cookies will break TalentEU functionality (e.g., you cannot log in).

7.2 TalentEU Cookie Manager

Easiest Method:

Click the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer
Toggle categories on/off
Save preferences

7.3 Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" signal. Currently, there is no industry-wide standard for handling DNT, so we do not respond to it. However, you can disable cookies via our banner.

8. Cookies and Mobile Apps (Future)

If we launch a mobile app:

Native Apps: Do not use cookies but may use similar technologies (device IDs, local storage)
WebView Apps: May use cookies like the website

We will update this policy if we launch an app.

9. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this policy to reflect:

New cookies or tracking technologies
Changes in laws or regulations
User feedback

When we make changes:

Update the "Last Updated" date
Notify you via email (if applicable)
Display a notice on the website

Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

10. Data Retention for Cookies

Cookie Category	Retention Period
Strictly Necessary	Session (deleted on logout) or up to 1 year (for preferences)
Analytics	Up to 26 months (Google Analytics default)

After expiration, cookies are automatically deleted from your device.

11. Legal Basis for Cookie Use

Cookie Type	Legal Basis
Strictly Necessary	Legitimate Interest (GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)) — Essential to provide the service
Analytics	Consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a) + ePrivacy Directive Art. 5(3)) — You opt in via banner

ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law): EU Directive 2002/58/EC requires consent for non-essential cookies.

12. Children's Privacy

TalentEU is not intended for users under 16 years old. We do not knowingly set cookies on children's devices. If you are a parent and believe your child has used TalentEU, contact us at privacy@talenteu.eu.

13. Contact Us

For questions about cookies:

Email: privacy@talenteu.eu
Address: TalentEU, hosted via Hetzner Online GmbH, Industriestr. 25, 91710 Gunzenhausen, Germany
Support: https://talenteu.eu/contact

Response Time: 3-5 business days

14. Additional Resources

EU Cookie Law Guide: https://ec.europa.eu/info/cookies_en
ICO Cookie Guidance (UK): https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-pecr/cookies-and-similar-technologies/
Google Analytics Opt-Out: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
Your Online Choices (Ad Opt-Out): https://www.youronlinechoices.com/

End of Cookie Policy