EU approves air passenger data transfer agreement with Canada
The EU Council has approved an agreement with Canada on the transfer of passenger PNR data to combat terrorism and transnational crime, while ensuring privacy protection.
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The Council of the European Union has officially approved an agreement with Canada on the transfer and use of passenger name record (PNR) data to combat terrorism and serious transnational crimes.
The document concludes a multi-step process that began in 2018 and provides for the transfer of data collected by EU airlines from passengers at the time of booking.
PNR data includes the passenger's name, itinerary, travel dates, baggage, contact information, and payment method.
Analyzing this information makes it possible to identify suspicious behavior patterns, making it a vital tool in the fight against international crime.
The agreement also includes strict data protection safeguards. Processing of sensitive information, such as data revealing racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, or political opinions, is prohibited.
Compliance with privacy protection rules will be monitored by independent public authorities.
The agreement will enter into force once internal procedures are completed in both the EU and Canada.
On the EU side, these formalities have been completed by the Council’s decision, while Canada is finalizing its ratification process.
The agreement was signed in October 2024 and approved by the European Parliament in March 2025.
Earlier it was reported that European youths who turned 18 received an opportunity to explore the countries of the European Union for free. As part of the DiscoverEU initiative, 35,000 free travel passes are being offered for one-month trips across Europe, and applications can be submitted until April 16, 2025.