WASHINGTON, USA — The US Department of Justice and European Commission officials met recently to begin formal negotiations on an [European Union] EU – US agreement to facilitate access to electronic evidence in criminal investigations. After a productive first discussion, there was an agreement to regular negotiating rounds with the view to concluding an agreement as quickly as possible. Progress will be reviewed at the next EU-US justice and home affairs ministerial in December.
European Commissioner for Justice, Věra Jourová said, “I welcome the start of formal negotiations. Criminals use fast, modern technologies to organize their crimes and cover up their evidence. We need to work together with our American partners to speed up the access of our enforcement authorities to this evidence. This will strengthen our security while protecting the data privacy and procedural safeguards of our citizens. The launch of negotiations marks an important step towards achieving this.”
US attorney general William Barr said, “We are pleased that the Council adopted a mandate to authorize the Commission to negotiate an agreement with the United States on facilitating access to certain e-evidence and that we have obtained authorization to negotiate with the European Union. This type of agreement can enhance public safety and national security by providing an improved and more rapid ability to identify and respond to criminal threats on both sides of the Atlantic, in a manner that assures respect for the rule of law, privacy, and civil liberties. The US is committed to working with the EU on this important issue.”