Brussels – The European Union (EU) and the United States have signed the so-called “Umbrella Agreement,’’ which put in place a comprehensive high-level data protection framework for criminal law enforcement cooperation.
The Council of the EU in a statement said on Thursday in Brussels.
According to the statement, the agreement improves in particular, EU citizens’ rights by providing equal treatment with U.S. citizens when it comes to judicial redress rights before U.S. courts.
The agreement was signed by Dutch Minister of Security, Justice Ard van der Steur and European Commissioner Jourova on behalf of the EU, and by Attorney General Loretta Lynch on behalf of the U.S. authorities.
“This agreement symbolises the values the U.S. and the EU share, it will improve cooperation between U.S. and European law enforcement authorities when combating serious crime and terrorism.
“It will advance the full respect for fundamental rights whenever personal data is being transferred between us.
“The “Umbrella Agreement” covers all personal data exchanged between the police and criminal justice authorities of the EU member states.
“Also, the U.S. federal authorities for the purpose of prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences, including terrorism,’’ Van der Steur said.
The statement added that the agreement would facilitate criminal law enforcement cooperation while providing safeguards and guarantees of the legality of data transfers.
However, the agreement is expected to complement existing and future EU-U.S. and member state-U.S. agreements between law enforcement authorities.
The European Parliament would need to give its consent after this signature before the agreement could be finally concluded for the next step. (Xinhua/NAN)