News Releases

No. 39/06
May 30, 2006

EUROPEAN COMMISSION REACTS TO COURT RULING ON EU/US PASSENGER NAME RECORD AGREEMENT

Today the European Commission issued a statement in reaction to the European Court of Justice's ruling on the EU/US Passenger Name Record (PNR) Agreement:

"The Commission will respect the Court's judgement and is currently analyzing its full implications. The Commission remains committed to the fight against terrorism while fully respecting fundamental human rights,
such as the right to privacy.

"The Court specifically did not take a view on the content of the agreement and the adequacy finding. The Commission will now work with other parties to find a solution which ensures effective action against
terrorism and protection of fundamental rights

"The Commission will co-operate closely with the other Institutions involved (the Council and the European Parliament) as well as with the Data Protection Authorities in order to ensure full compliance with the Court ruling. The Commission will also consult the US on any changes that may be required as a result of the judgment.

"The US has indicated its willingness to enter into such discussions and for its part, to continue to respect  the PNR agreement so long as it remains in force.

"The ruling ensures there is no lowering of data protection standards, no effect on passengers, no disruption of transatlantic air traffic and that a high level of security is maintained until the 30th of September 2006
(The Court has determined that the Agreement will remain valid until that date for reasons of legal certainty).

"The Commission is committed to working with all parties involved to find an appropriate arrangement by that time."

Background

See:

European Court of Justice Press Release: http://curia.eu.int/en/actu/communiques/cp06/aff/cp060046en.pdf

EU Data Protection Supervisor Press Release: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=EDPS/06/8&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

European Parliament Press Release: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/019-8518-152-06-22-902-20060529IPR08507-01-06-2006-2006-false/default_en.htm

Further Contact Information
Press and Public Diplomacy
Delegation of the European Commission
2300 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
http://www.eurunion.org/PressRoom
Tel: 202-862-9552
Fax: 202-429-1766