19/06/2019 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 19 June, the European Commission confirmed that it will carry out a thorough review on possible solutions for telecommunications data retention for law enforcement purposes (see EUROPE 12234/13), as requested by the Council of the EU in its conclusions adopted in early June (see EUROPE 12270/35). Since the judgements of the Court of Justice of the EU invalidating national and European mechanisms on the subject (see EUROPE 11056/24, 11694/16), Member States have consistently argued not to remain in legal limbo (see EUROPE 11825/6). "We are currently in the process of gathering information about the needs of national authorities. Technical consultations with experts from Member States, industry, civil society and data protection authorities are already ongoing", said Natasha Bertaud, a Commission spokeswoman. She assured that the study will be available before the end of 2019, without mentioning any possible future legislative initiative. (MF)