24th November 2016

EP: EU-US deal on law enforcement data transfers backed by Civil Liberties Committee (updated)

The EU-US data protection framework, known as the “Umbrella Agreement” was backed by a large majority in the Civil Liberties Committee on 24 November. The deal will ensure high, binding data protection standards for data exchanged by police and law enforcement authorities across the Atlantic.

The agreement, negotiated by the European Commission on behalf of the EU, was signed by the EU and US in June, The European Parliament passed it on 1 December. Read more. The Council of the EU authorised the conclusion of the agreement on 2 December. 

The agreement improves, in particular, EU citizens' rights by providing equal treatment with US citizens when it comes to judicial redress rights before US courts. 

The "Umbrella agreement" covers all personal data exchanged between police and criminal justice authorities of the EU member states and the US federal authorities for the purpose of prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences, including terrorism. 

A statement by Justice Commissioner Věra Jourová.

Members of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic