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19
Dec
2007

Mise en oeuvre de l'initiative de Prüm

Avis sur l'initiative de la République fédérale d'Allemagne, en vue de l'adoption d'une décision du Conseil concernant la mise en oeuvre de la décision 2007/.../JAI relative à l'approfondissement de la coopération transfrontière, notamment en vue de lutter contre le terrorisme et la criminalité transfrontière, JO C 89, 14.4.2008, p. 1

On 19 December 2007, the EDPS issued his Opinion on the German initiative establishing implementing rules which are necessary for the functioning of the Council Prüm initiative. This initiative aims to step up cross-border cooperation, particularly for fighting terrorism and cross-border crime, by establishing mechanisms to exchange personal data such as DNA profiles and fingerprints.
 
In his Opinion, the EDPS holds the view that a clear, effective and comprehensive legal framework - combining general provisions and specific tailored rules on data protection - should be in place before the current Prüm initiative enters into force. He also points out that the initiative's implementing rules and their annex are of particular importance since they define crucial aspects and tools of the exchanges of data that are essential to ensure guarantees for concerned persons.
 
More specifically, the EDPS recommends the following:
  • the initiative and its annex should benefit from a broad and open discussion involving all relevant actors, such as the European Parliament and Data Protection Authorities;
  • the accuracy in searches and comparisons of DNA profiles and fingerprints should be duly taken into account and constantly monitored, also in the light of the larger scale of the exchange;
  • relevant data protection authorities should be put in a position to properly carry out their supervisory and advisory role throughout all the different stages of the implementation.
Initiative publiée dans le JO C 267, 9.11.2007, p. 4
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2
May
2007

2006 Rapport Annuel - Le temps est venu pour les administrations européennes de démontrer leur conformité à la protection des données

Durant sa troisième année d'activités, le CEPD a continué à s'investir dans l'implantation d'une culture avancée de la protection des données dans les institutions et organes européens. Depuis 2004, 150 contrôles préalabes de traitements à risques et 25 avis sur des propositions de législation ont été publiés. Le temps est venu pour le CEPD d'élargir ses activités de supervision, de commencer des inspections et de mesurer les résultats.

Texte intégral du rapport annuel:
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Résumé:
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Communiqué de presse:
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27
Oct
2006

Instructions consulaires communes

Avis concernant la proposition de règlement modifiant les instructions consulaires communes adressées aux représentations diplomatiques et consulaires de carrière, en liaison avec l'introduction d'éléments d'identification biométriques et de dispositions relatives à l'organisation de la réception et du traitement des demandes de visa (COM (2006) 269 final), JO C 321, 29.12.2006, p. 38

The proposal amends the Common consular instructions in view of the implementation of the Visa Information System (VIS). The main points of the opinion concern biometric identifiers and cooperation between consular posts in the visa procedure.
Regarding biometric identifiers, the EDPS underlines that it is a political decision rather than a purely technical one to determine from which age fingerprints shall be collected. This should not be based entirely on arguments of feasibility. Especially the mandatory fingerprinting of all children aged 6+ raises also ethical questions. The EDPS moreover recalls that all biometric identification systems are inherently imperfect and that the system therefore must provide for adequate fallback solutions.

Regarding the cooperation between consular posts and embassies of the Member States, the EDPS emphasises the need to guarantee data security, which can prove difficult in some third countries. When the processing of visa applications (including collection of biometric identifiers) is outsourced to a private company, the EDPS stresses the need for it to be located in a place under diplomatic protection.

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16
Oct
2006

Titres de séjour

Avis sur la proposition modifiée de règlementdu Conseil modifiant le règlement (CE) no 1030/2002 établissant un modèle uniforme de titre de séjour pour les ressortissants de pays tiers, JO C 320, 28.12.2006, p. 21

Following the introduction of biometric features in European passports and Schengen visas, this proposal is the third one to rely on biometric data. The EDPS supports the proposal but stresses that the residence permit should not be seen as a travel document. Also, he underlines that the highest security standards need to be adopted.
If the safeguards recommended in the opinion are implemented, the EDPS does not oppose the use of biometric data which are justified by the enhancement of the security level and by facilitating the fight against illegal immigration and illegal residence. The EDPS welcomes the progress to have better respect for the principle of purpose limitation, but is concerned by the definition of authorities which have access to the data stored.

The EDPS supports the equal treatment of European citizens and third country residents whereby they have access to electronic services, such as e-government services. However, he recommends postponing the insertion of an additional chip for such services until a complete impact assessment study has been conducted.

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