European Union (EU) decided this Wednesday to conclude two separate political agreements with Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru that allow Europol to share personal data with them. as part of criminal investigations, in order to combat drug trafficking, organized crime or terrorism.

The G27 ambassadors have reached a political agreement, which must then be ratified by the EU Council, to give the European Commission (EC) a mandate to negotiate said agreements on their behalf, community sources told Efe.

They explained that it would be necessary to work on an individual agreement with each of these Latin American countries, a region where only Colombia already has an agreement with such characteristics with the EU.

“Is an important step in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime”indicated on Twitter regarding the consent of the ambassadors of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the Union.

The Commission is responsible on behalf of the Union for concluding international agreements with third countries on the exchange of personal data with Europol, the Union’s agency for police cooperation.

Both Europol and the European Data Protection Inspector reviewed the proposal and gave their opinion ahead of today’s agreement.

“This is about facilitating the work of Europol and the national security forces and bodies that fight organized crime,” commented community sources.

They indicated that when exchanging information with these five Latin American countries, they will be guided by the highest standards of protection applied by the EU.

He The agreement concluded with each of these countries must respect the fundamental rights and respect the principles recognized by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in accordance with what was adopted today by the twenty seven.

In particular, the right to private and family life, the right to the protection of personal data and the right to effective judicial protection. and impartial judge.

In addition, agreements they should not affect the transfer of personal data or other forms of cooperation between authorities responsible for ensuring national security.and must be understood without prejudice to them.

(EFE)