The PNR Directive requires travellers to provide detailed personal information to carriers who in turn are obliged to give the data collected to the respective European governments. The objective of this legislation is the detection, prevention and investigation of terrorism, drugs and human trafficking etc. The Directive only applies to flights which are external to the EU, however, individual member states could opt-in and request the data from intra-EU flights as well.
The European Commission published a statement on the launch of infringement proceedings against Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain. The statement confirms that the respective member states failed to implement the PNR Directive and now have 2 months to make the necessary arrangements whilst stating that “the Commission will continue to offer support and guidance to those Member States that have yet to finalise the implementation work”.
Infringement proceedings are designed as a way to sanction EU countries if they violate EU law or fail to implement regulations, directives or decisions from the European Parliament, Council of the EU, or European Commission. In around 95 percent of cases, countries find compromises or ways to comply, according to the Commission.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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