Brussels, 13/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 13 July, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) welcomed the recent European Commission communication on the Stockholm Programme. It was on 10 July that the Commission adopted this communication on the new EU justice and home affairs programme for the next five years, due to be adopted by the European Council of December 2009 (see EUROPE 9918). The EDPS notes the particular attention on fundamental rights in the communication, and, in particular, to the protection of personal data, as one of the key issues of the future framework for EU action on citizenship, justice, security, asylum and immigration. “I am pleased that the Commission's communication promotes the right balance between the need for appropriate instruments to guarantee the security of citizens and the protection of their fundamental rights. Serving the citizens requires a European Union that safeguards this balance,” said EDPS Peter Hustinx. “This is all the more important since the policies in this area have great impact on citizens' daily life and private space. I therefore expect the Council to go along the same path in the adoption of the Stockholm Programme,” he went on. The EDPS's opinion focuses on: - the need for a comprehensive data protection scheme; - data protection principles; - the European information model. For further information, go to http: //http://www.edps.europa.eu (B.C./transl.rt)