Avis du CEPD

Avis sur la proposition de règlement modifiant le règlement (CE) no 515/97 relatif à l'assistance mutuelle entre les autorités administratives des États membres et à la collaboration entre celles-ci et la Commission en vue d'assurer la bonne application des réglementations douanière et agricole (COM(2006) 866 final), JO C 94, 28.04.2007, p. 3

This Proposal foresees the creation or updating of various systems containing personal data, the European Data Directory, Custom Information System (CIS) and Customs Files Identification Database (FIDE), in order to strengthen the cooperation between Member States and the Commission to avoid breaches to customs and agricultural legislation. In this Opinion, the EDPS suggests various amendments to the Proposal in order to ensure the Proposal's overall compatibility with the existing legal framework on data protection and the effective protection of individuals' personal data. Among others, the Opinion calls upon the Commission to carry out a proper assessment of the necessity of the European Data Directory, proposes some amendments to recognize the EDPS supervisory role regarding CIS and FIDE and puts forwards a coordinated approach to its supervision (including national authorities and the EDPS).

Avis sur la proposition de décision du Conseil portant création de l'Office européen de police (Europol) (COM(2006) 817 final), JO C 255, 27.10.2007, p. 13

Avis sur des propositions modifiant le règlement financier applicable au budget général des Communautés européennes et ses modalités d'exécution (COM(2006) 213 final et SEC(2006) 866 final), JO C 94, 28.04.2007, p. 12

• The need for a precise timeframe regarding the update of the information as well as an adequate security protection of the database.
• The need for specific safeguards in the context of transfers of personal data from the central database and receiving personal data from third countries and international organisations.

Time limits for storage and budgetary control.

Deuxième avis sur la proposition de décision-cadre du Conseil relative à la protection des données à caractère personnel traitées dans le cadre de la coopération policière et judiciaire en matière pénale, JO C 91, 26.04.2007, p. 9

The main concern is that the proposal in its current state will lead to an artificial division in data files - between national data and data originating from another Member State. Not only will this lead to burdensome, complex and costly handling, but it will also lead to difficulties for citizens in exercising their rights. A number of other concerns are raised, relating to the lack of special safeguards on sensitive data; possibilities to exchange data with non-law enforcement authorities; the non-requirement of 'adequate protection' guarantees when exchanging data with third countries, etc.

Avis concernant la proposition modifiée de règlement relatif à l'assistance administrative mutuelle aux fins de la protection des intérêts financiers de la Communauté contre la fraude et toute autre activité illégale, JO C 94, 28.04.2007, p. 1

Nevertheless, the EDPS notes that whether such standards of data protection will indeed be maintained depend on the specific content of implementing legislation for which the proposal creates a legal basis. Since implementing legislation will be crucial for the protection of personal data in this context, the EDPS particularly welcomes the obligation to consult him on the drafting of such implementing legislation.