70 million for sharing passenger data

brussels - To help Member States with the implementation of the decision to transfer air passenger data, the European Commission EUR 70 million available. Eleven EU countries including Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and Ireland, have developed a plan, said EU Commissioner Julian King (Security Union) Wednesday.

The so-called Passenger Names Register (PNR) must be operational by May 2018, and Brussels wants Member States to make haste. 'We must redouble our efforts,' King said. The Briton is confident that the eleven countries will meet the deadline.

EU countries the data of passengers need, including credit card information, go to store and exchange in the fight against terrorism and serious crime. On the PNR system has been negotiated for years, in part because of privacy concerns. King already announced a 'thorough evaluation' on the effectiveness of the measures.