Brussels: Today, the European Commission has proposed to sign and conclude two bilateral agreements for the transfer of passenger name records (PNR) data with Norway and Iceland. These agreements, once effective, will enable Norway and Iceland to receive passenger information from airlines operating between these countries and the EU Member States.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the proposed agreements aim to enhance law enforcement cooperation among the EU, Norway, and Iceland. This move is expected to bolster their collective efforts in combating terrorism and serious organized crime, including drug trafficking, firearms, and human trafficking. Additionally, the agreements are designed to uphold high standards for security, privacy, and data protection.
The Council is tasked with assessing these proposals. Following the agreements’ signatures, they will require consent from the European Parliament and the Council, as well as approval from Norway and Iceland through their national procedures. The EU has previously established agreements for the transfer of PNR data with countries such as the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Today’s proposals represent a continued commitment by the Commission to strengthen law enforcement cooperation and information exchange grounded in shared values of fundamental rights.