EU-Iceland agreement on transfer of passenger name record (PNR) data to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute terrorist offences and serious crime
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1918 of 4 June 2026 concerns the conclusion, on behalf of the European 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. The Decision formally approves the Agreement on behalf of the Union.
Background and Purpose
The Agreement was signed on 14 October 2025, subject to conclusion at a later date, following Council Decision (EU) 2025/1965 of 22 September 2025, which authorised its signing. The Agreement establishes a framework for air carriers to transfer PNR data from the Union to Iceland, in order to support police and judicial cooperation between the competent authorities of Iceland, the Member States, Europol and Eurojust. Its aim is to strengthen the external borders of the Union and of Iceland and to ensure internal security in the absence of internal border controls within the Schengen area.
Data Protection Safeguards
The Agreement provides for the transfer of PNR data in full respect of the rights set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular the right to respect for private and family life and the right to the protection of personal data under Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter. It includes specific safeguards for the protection of personal data transferred under it. The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 and delivered Opinion 15/2025 on 24 July 2025.
Participation of Member States
In accordance with Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland annexed to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Ireland notified, by letter of 29 July 2025, its wish to take part in the adoption and application of the Decision. In accordance with Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark annexed to the TEU and TFEU, Denmark does not take part in the adoption of the Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.
Legal Basis and Content
The Decision is based on Article 16(2) and Article 87(2), point (a), of the TFEU, in conjunction with Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a). Article 1 approves the Agreement on behalf of the Union. The text of the Agreement is published separately in the Official Journal. The date of entry into force of the Agreement itself will be published separately by the General Secretariat of the Council.
Role of the European Parliament
The Decision was adopted following the consent of the European Parliament given on 29 April 2026.
Entry into Force
The Decision entered into force on the date of its adoption, 4 June 2026. It was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 6 August 2026.
This summary was AI-generated and human-reviewed.