04/07/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 14 July, MEPs approved, in different resolutions, the European Commission's opening of discussions with eight countries from the Middle East and North Africa on the exchange of personal data with Europol, the European police agency. But the MEPs insisted on the protection of personal data in these future negotiations with Jordan, Turkey, Israel, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt and Algeria in these exchanges of data with Europol. "An in-depth impact analysis is needed to assess the risks posed by the proposed transfers of personal data", they said. "Clear guarantees are needed, not only to protect the data, but also to ensure the respect of fundamental rights and freedoms". While the agreements do not offer a level of protection equivalent to that provided for by EU legislation, they can be concluded. (SP)