Brussels, 14/04/2010 (Agence Europe) - Despite the fact that the agreement signed in 2007 between the EU and the US on the transfer of Passenger Name Records (PNR) has been correctly implemented, the European Union states it is concerned by the extensive use made of data. “Upon assessment, we have questions and uncertainties”, said Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs, speaking after the EU/US ministerial meeting held in Madrid on 9 April. According to a report prepared by the European Commission in February this year, such concerns relate to the broad use of PNR data and in particular to the matching of PNR against some databases that contain immigration and customs policy elements. However, the scope of the agreement restricts any transfer for purposes of combating terrorism and serious crime. Problems also relate to the number of ad hoc requests and to the fact that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) makes such requests using the “pull” technique allowing US authorities to have direct online access to databases of airlines and to reservation systems. The report points to the fact that cross-checking of PNR is carried out with databases containing information on crimes liable to a minimum of one year imprisonment, which, once again, is incompatible with the scope of the agreement. The report deplores the fact that some PNR data is copied into a separate database, which makes it possible for certain passengers listed to be prevented from embarking on flights to the United States (Secure Flight Program). Finally, the report considers that the US authorities are not acting according to the reciprocal agreement reached, as they do not share information obtained from PNR with member states, Europol and Eurojust. A new assessment report is expected during 2011 to see if improvements have been made. (B.C./transl.jl)