Security Union: The Commission recommends opening negotiations with Japan on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data

As announced today by President Jean-Claude Juncker at the Europa Connectivity Forum: EU-Asia Connectivity, the European Commission has recommended that the Council authorise the start of negotiations for an EU-Japan Agreement to allow the transfer and use of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data in order to prevent and combat terrorism and serious transnational crime. The Agreement will set out the framework and conditions for the exchange of PNR data, in full respect of data protection safeguards and fundamental rights, in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos said: “Japan is a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism and organised crime. Today we are taking this cooperation one step further – it is only by working together that we can enhance global security.” Commissioner for the Security Union Julian King said: “Passenger Name Record (PNR) data helps us to identify suspicious travel patterns and track down dangerous criminals and terrorists. It is important that we share this data with close partners like Japan, strengthening our security cooperation, and that we do so in full respect of data protection standards.” The EU and Japan are long standing strategic partners, including in the fight against terrorism and serious crime, as reaffirmed in the EU-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in July 2018. The opening of negotiations for an EU-Japan PNR Agreement further highlights the key strategic partnership between the EU and Japan.