08/01/2008 (Agence Europe) -European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) Peter Hustinx published an opinion in December on the Prüm initiative, which aims to create a large-scale exchange of personal information, such as DNA profiles and fingerprints, between EU police services in order to combat terrorism and cross-border crime (EUROPE 9444). Although the framework decision on data protection had not yet been adopted, the EDPS believes that “a clear legal framework” must be put in place before the Prüm initiative enters into force. “A high rate of false matches in DNA and fingerprint comparisons would affect both the rights of the citizens and the efficiency of law enforcement authorities”, the EDPS said. He also recommends that the full initiative be subject to a debate involving all stakeholders, particularly the European Parliament and the national data protection authorities. (B.C.)