Commission proposes agreements on transfer of passenger name records data with Norway and Iceland

Today, the European Commission has proposed to sign and conclude two bilateral agreements to transfer passenger name records (PNR) data with Norway and Iceland.

These agreements, once in force, will allow Norway and Iceland to receive passenger information from air carriers operating between these countries and the EU Member States. This will strengthen law enforcement cooperation between the EU, Norway and Iceland, and step up the joint fight against terrorism and serious and organised crime, including trafficking in drugs, firearms and human beings. At the same time, the proposed agreements set high standards for security, privacy and data protection.

It is now for the Council to assess the proposals. Following the signature of the agreements, the European Parliament and the Council will need to give their consent, as well as Norway and Iceland through their national procedures.

The EU has already signed agreements allowing EU carriers to transfer PNR data to the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada. Today’s proposals are another step in the Commission’s commitment to strengthen law enforcement cooperation and information exchange based on shared values of fundamental rights.

Source: European Commission