Brussels, 06/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - Heinz Kiefer, president of the European Police Confederation (Eurocop) is sceptical about the framework decision for data retention. He believes that it will not be very useful for criminal investigations. According to Eurocop, experts have made enormous technological developments but it is also necessary to invest for processing vast amounts of data, a process which will take too long when information is needed rapidly. The confederation also points out that criminal organisations are finding it easy to evade search processes by using, for example simple telephone cards in their mobile phones which are easily disposed of. Kiefer concludes that, “The EU has committed itself to a programme of 'better governance'…I am afraid that this directive…is not an example of this new approach”.
The European Parliament, which has a consultative role in the matter, was also highly reticent, especially about the procedures chosen. The competent parliamentary committee rejected the text (which is being discussed in Tuesday's plenary and rapporteur Alexander Alvaro (ALDE, Germany) commented, “Parliament is naturally in agreement with the proposal's objective. We oppose the legal basis, which appears inappropriate, disproportionate and ineffective and the fact that it does not conform to the fundamental principle of presumed innocence…Nothing is decisive in guaranteeing that this kind of data confers the legal authorities with any advantage in fighting terrorism”. The Commission also thought about producing a proposal (which is decided by co-decision, pointed out Commissioner Viviane Reding, in charge of telecommunications) and which would be elaborated with Ms Reding and Mr Frattini (EUROPE 8959).