EU-Iceland agreement on transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute terrorist offences and serious crime

The European Parliament adopted by 532 votes to 75, with 28 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime.

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the agreement.

The conclusion of the agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute terrorist offences and serious crime represents an important step in strengthening international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and serious transnational crime.

The PNR agreement with Iceland:

- will enable the transfer of passenger data collected by airlines to national authorities for security purposes; this information can provide the authorities with important elements allowing them to detect suspicious travel patterns and identify associates of criminals and terrorists, in particular those previously unknown to law enforcement;

- will not only detect terrorism and other forms of serious crime, such as drug-related offences, human trafficking and child sexual exploitation, but also help prevent such crimes from being committed.

The agreement establishes clear rules governing the processing, storage, use, and retention of PNR data. Strict safeguards are included to ensure that data is used solely for specified purposes, retained only for limited periods, and protected against misuse or unauthorised access. Oversight mechanisms and rights of redress for individuals further reinforce transparency and accountability.