The Council of European Union has approved new rules to improve border security and fight terrorism and serious crime. These rules set standards for collecting and sharing air passenger information with authorities. This step will help protect the EU borders and keep citizens safe.
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EU Approves New Rules To Collect Air Passenger Information
Airlines will now have to send passenger data to authorities before travelers reach the EU’s external borders. This data includes travel document details, flight information and baggage records. The goal is to allow checks and risk assessments before passengers arrive. This will make border controls faster and ensure that security measures are ready in advance.
The new rules will replace a 2004 directive on passenger data. They will take effect 20 days after being published in the EU’s Official Journal. These rules expand the type of information collected and create uniform processes across all EU countries unlike the older system.
The EU Council said timely access to passenger data is critical for security. Air travel is increasingly used by criminals and terrorists. Strong measures are now important with over 500 million people flying into or out of the EU in 2019.
Better Passenger Screening And Security
The new rules will allow authorities to screen passengers before they arrive in the EU. This will help identify security risks such as people on watchlists or those involved in criminal activity. Authorities can then act early by denying entry or conducting extra checks.
Passengers who pose no risk will also benefit. Their border checks will be faster and more efficient. This will improve their travel experience and reduce waiting times.
The regulation also considers privacy and data protection. The EU has strong laws to protect personal information and this regulation follows those standards. Authorities can only use passenger data for security purposes. The data will not be stored longer than needed.
The EU Council stressed that the new rules strike a balance between security and individual rights. Only relevant data will be collected and it will be handled securely to prevent misuse.
Balance Security And Improved Privacy In Passenger
Air travel is a popular method for travel around the world but it comes with potential dangers. Criminals and terrorists often use flights for illegal activities. These include smuggling goods, human trafficking or planning attacks.
Authorities can track suspicious activities and detect risks more effectively by collecting passenger data early. This helps prevent crimes, protect travelers and maintain safer skies.
The new rules will also help the EU work better with other countries. Security threats are global and fighting crime needs international cooperation. The EU can share information and coordinate actions with its partners By standardizing data collection.
Airlines may face challenges in meeting these new requirements. They will need better technology, additional resources and staff training.
These changes might increase operational costs for airlines. the benefits of improved security, smoother border checks and safer travel outweigh the challenges.
The EU’s decision to collect advance passenger data shows its commitment to security and modernizing its borders. These rules will help protect borders, fight crime and improve the travel experience while respecting people’s privacy.
Travelers can expect smoother border checks and authorities will have better tools to detect threats early. The new system is a forward thinking approach to make air travel safer and more efficient for everyone. EU is preparing for a more secure and connected future for its citizens and member states by acting now.
