Today, EU Member States in the Council have given the green light for the start of negotiations with Japan on an Agreement to enable the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data from the European Union to Japan. The negotiating directives provided by the Council are in line with the Commission’s Recommendations adopted in the end of September. The Agreement will set out the framework and conditions for the exchange of PNR data, in full respect of data protection safeguards and fundamental rights, in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson said:
Launching the negotiations with Japan on PNR will underline the commitment and determination to strengthen our already close partnership. This Agreement will be a powerful tool to tackle common security challenges.
Vice President for Promoting our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas said:
Both within the EU and globally, processing of PNR data is considered to be an essential instrument in the response to terrorism and serious crime. It is of great importance to strengthen our security cooperation with strategic partners like Japan.
The Commission now stands ready to swiftly start negotiations, committed to find solutions for the transfer of PNR data to Japan. The Commission will keep both the Council and the Parliament informed about the progress of the negotiations.
More information
- Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations with Japan for an agreement on the transfer and use of PNR data to prevent and combat terrorism and serious transnational crime
- EU PNR directive (background information)
- EU-Japan PNR agreement: Council authorises opening of negotiations - Press release
Details
- Publication date
- 18 February 2020