EDPS Press Release
✈️ EU-US border information exchange: effective safeguards are essential to protect fundamental rights in practice.
A new EDPS Opinion comments on the European Commission’s proposal for a framework agreement between the EU and the US on sharing information to verify, screen and vet travellers. The proposed framework would set common conditions for the reciprocal exchange of data between the authorities of EU Member States and the US for border checks, travel authorisations and visas. The proposal is linked to a US requirement for partner countries in the US Visa Waiver Program to conclude an ‘Enhanced Border Security Partnership’ by the end of 2026.
The Opinion sets out the safeguards needed to keep the processing of personal data limited to what is strictly necessary and proportionate. Its recommendations include:
• the possible offences considered as presenting risks to ‘public order’ and ‘public security’ should be clearly specified;
• competent authorities should establish an objective link between the risk and the individual concerned on a case-by-case basis;
• the Commission should monitor whether judicial redress is available in practice for anyone affected, regardless of their citizenship or nationality.
@Supervisor Wojciech Wiewiórowski said: “This would be the first time the EU agrees to share personal data, including biometrics, with a third country on this scale for border control. All the necessary safeguards must be in place to ensure the protection of individuals, including real oversight on both sides of the Atlantic.”
👉 Read the press release: https://link.europa.eu/QC3dVV
📄 Read the full Opinion: https://link.europa.eu/84RvgQ
