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Finance et économie

La crise financière a souligné la nécessité d’harmoniser les règles sur le fonctionnement des marchés financiers, une source essentielle de financement dans l’économie d’aujourd’hui. L’UE s’efforce en particulier d’améliorer activement l’obligation de rendre compte des établissements financiers et la transparence des marchés financiers, tout en luttant contre l’évasion fiscale et le blanchiment. Ces politiques légitimes exigent souvent, dans la pratique, la collecte, l’utilisation et le stockage d’importants volumes d’informations personnelles. Par conséquent, il est nécessaire de concilier les objectifs de politique publique avec les droits fondamentaux au respect de la vie privée et à la protection des données.

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12
Dec
2006

Règlement financier

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

One of the main points of the proposals is that they foresee the set-up and organisation of a central database common to all institutions and bodies, operated by the Commission, of candidates and tenderers under specific situations of exclusions in case of fraud and allow the exchange of the information contained in the database with authorities at different levels.
Although the EDPS agrees to the principle of a central database in the light of the foreseen purposes of data processing, he underlined that a proactive approach to the rights of the data subjectsshould be respected. Data subjects must be informed beforehand that these data might be made public, and it must be ensured that the data subject's right of access and right to object are respected. Other concerns relate to: 
  • 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.

13
Nov
2006

Assistance administrative mutuelle

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

The amended proposal sets forth communication and assistance procedures between the Commission and Member States in order to protect the Community financial interests.
The EDPS considers that the proposal on the whole maintains the level of protection of personal data contained in the EU data protection framework; Directive 95/46/EC and Regulation 45/2001.

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.

27
Oct
2006

Enquêtes d'OLAF

Avis concernant la proposition de règlement modifiant le règlement (CE) no 1073/1999 relatif aux enquêtes effectuées par l'Office européen de lutte antifraude (OLAF), JO C 91, 26.04.2007, p. 1

The proposal relates to OLAF's operational activities because it aims to amend the Regulation which lays down the rules and constitute the legal basis for investigations, etc. The aim is to:

  • Improve the effectiveness of investigations;
  • Facilitate the exchange between OLAF and the various institutions concerning information about suspected wrongdoings, at both EU and national level; and
  • Guarantee the rights of persons implicated in an investigation, including their right to data protection and privacy and make procedural guarantees stronger.

The EDPS agrees with the significance of the goals and objectives pursued by the proposed amendments, especially regarding the procedural guarantees afforded to individuals. However, when it comes to personal data protection, the proposal could be further improved without jeopardising the objectives that it pursues. Concerns relate to the right of information, access and rectification as well as exchanges of personal information. The EDPS also proposes measures regarding the confidentiality of whistleblowers.