Council declaration concerning the relations between Europol and third States and non-European Union-related bodies

The Council recognises the importance attached to the speedy development of formal relations between Europol and third States and non-European Union-related bodies.

In accordance with Article 3(3), in conjunction with Article 2(2) of the Council Act of 12 March 1999 adopting the Rules governing the transmission of personal data by Europol to third States and third bodies - the Council shall take into account the law and administrative practice of relevant third States and non-European Union-related bodies in the field of data protection in reaching its decision to authorise the Director of Europol to enter into formal negotiations with these third States and non-European Union-related bodies on agreements providing for the transmission by Europol of personal data.

In order to allow the Council duly to consider whether there are any obstacles to the start of such negotiations in relation to the third States and non-European Union-related bodies mentioned in Article 2(1) of the Council Decision of 27 March 2000, it invites Europol to prepare and submit reports to the Council on the laws and administrative practice in the field of data protection in these third States and non-European Union-related bodies.

The Council invites the Commission to assist in the preparation of these reports through providing any relevant information in its possession.