EU legal framework in tackling crime: data retention
4.1.2018
Question for written answer P-000013-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Beatriz Becerra Basterrechea (ALDE)
Data retention has proved to be an essential tool in tackling crime and safeguarding public security. The investigation in Spain into the murder of Diana Quer was brought to a successful conclusion because the Guardia Civil worked with specialist companies operating in Europe in order to access mobile phone data.
Following the annulment by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) of the Data Retention Directive (2006/24/EC) in 2015, the Commission has repeatedly denied that it intends to propose EU legislation that establishes a common framework on data retention.
In November 2017, the Commission announced that it would complete its analysis of which route to follow on that matter. Given the paramount importance of the issue in the light of the EU Global Strategy:
- 1.Has the Commission decided to propose new legislation that, in the public interest, lays down clear and precise conditions on the regulation of data retention? If so, when will it be presented?
- 2.How will the Commission, through public consultations with civil society and the institutions and bodies involved, make it clear that it has taken proper steps to ensure that investigations can be concluded by means of effective police and judicial action?