Brussels, 18/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - Following two years of tough negotiations, the EU's interior ministers finally reached agreement in principle on Tuesday 18 September over the main guidelines in the framework decision on the protection of personal information in police and judicial cooperation. The politicians managed to reach agreement on the two main issues, namely the extent of the personal information involved and data protection in the event of transfer to countries outside the EU (see EUROPE 9502 for details). Exchange of information is crucial to European police cooperation which, since it comes under the 'third pillar' (intergovernmental rather than Community), means that personal information which is shared among countries is not covered by the data protection directive (95/46/EC) of 1995. The draft framework decision aims to give European citizens full and general protection in the field of public security. Final agreement on the decision is expected by the end of the year.
The ministers also agreed on a standard residence permit for people from outside the EU, which will include biometric information (a digital photo and fingerprints). Study of draft legislation covering a similar system for children and minors is expected to take place at a later date because ministers have not yet reached agreement on this issue. (bc)