European Parliament approves of exchange of passenger data

The European Parliament has approved a proposal for better exchange of passenger data between EU member states. There was a clear majority. The European N-VA delegation is satisfied.

“This is a crucial break-through in the fight against terror,” European Parliament member Helga Stevens says. “Syrian fighters return to Europe to carry out deadly attacks. This system maps their behaviour and travel patterns, and provides a wealth of information for national security services.”

“Whoever does not see the importance of such an information system after the attacks in Paris and Brussels, is shirking his or her responsibility,” European Parliament member Sander Loones adds. “We need efficient short-term solutions now, such as this necessary exchange of data from passenger flights.”

Sufficient guarantees of data protection and privacy have been included in that exchange of data. But additional security measures are needed more than ever, in consultation with the member states. For example, sharing passenger data from high speed trains, or improved protection of all nuclear installations in Europe. The N-VA pleads for quick measures in these and other debates.