The European Commission concluded on Thursday the negotiations with the United States on a framework agreement for the exchange of border data, called "Enhanced Border Security Partnership". This agreement had to be reached because the USA required it for the European Union to continue participating in the American visa waiver program.
The agreement establishes the general conditions for the exchange of information, with specific exchanges subsequently regulated by bilateral agreements negotiated between each of the 27 Member States and the United States. The exchanged data will come from the national databases of the Member States.
The European Commission highlighted that the agreement ensures a robust set of data protection safeguards, in compliance with EU law and with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The agreement will now have to be approved by the EU Council, which represents the governments of the 27 Member States, and subsequently submitted to the consideration of the European Parliament. If the MEPs approve it, the Council may proceed with the formal conclusion of the agreement, thus allowing the Member States to conclude bilateral agreements with the United States based on the conditions and safeguards defined in the framework agreement.
