On Tuesday 18 February, members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties gave the green light to the draft agreement between the EU and Canada on transferring air passenger data (‘PNR’ data) by 54 votes to 10, with 4 abstentions.
The elected representatives, who could not amend the text in substance, debated the agreement on 29 January (see EUROPE 13567/12). A press release summarises that the agreement lays down rules for the transfer and processing of PNR data to Canada, prohibits the processing of sensitive data, guarantees that individuals can access their data and correct inaccuracies, and defines data retention periods.
Canadian authorities will also be required to share with their EU counterparts (Europol, Eurojust and national authorities) “relevant and appropriate analytical information containing PNR data” obtained under the agreement.
PNR data can include travel dates and itineraries, passenger contact details, seat numbers and baggage information.
The maximum data retention period “of five years will be accompanied by an obligation to delete the data after the date of departure of the passengers, unless a risk assessment indicates that there is a link based on objective elements from which it can be inferred that the PNR data could contribute effectively to the achievement of the purposes of the agreement, in addition to the obligation for Canada to review its assessment every two years”.
The EU Council validated the draft agreement in June 2024.
Link to opinion: https://aeur.eu/f/fk2 (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)