Netherlands seeks termination safeguards for EU police data deals
A European Commission proposal would expand automated exchanges to trusted non-EU partners. Germany and Belgium warn that the existing system still faces bottlenecks.
The Netherlands wants future EU agreements on sharing sensitive police data with non-member countries to include grounds for ending cooperation if political conditions change. In comments on a European Commission proposal, the Dutch government cited a radical change of regime in a partner country as one possible reason.
The proposal would widen the Prüm framework to countries considered trustworthy outside the EU. The framework enables police to exchange information automatically, including fingerprints, DNA profiles and vehicle registration records. The Commission's suggested partners include Canada, the UK, Schengen-associated countries such as Iceland and Norway, Western Balkan membership candidates, Ukraine and Moldova.
The Dutch government called for detailed discussion of the criteria partners would need to meet, while saying EU candidates could be considered where sufficient safeguards exist. It said agreements must respect EU data protection standards and fundamental rights, and should not allow more extensive sharing than takes place between member states. National authorities should also retain the ability to assess the conditions for sharing their data held in EU information systems.
Slovakia favoured giving priority to Schengen associates and membership candidates. It argued that partners should cooperate actively on returns and readmissions, supply information that can be verified and have an established record of cooperation with EU agencies and member states. Germany and Belgium urged caution over expansion, pointing to performance shortcomings and significant bottlenecks in the existing system.
