Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and on the provisional application of certain provisions of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the application of certain provisions of Council Decision 2008/615/JHA on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime, of Council Decision 2008/616/JHA on the implementation of Decision 2008/615/JHA on the stepping up of crossborder cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime, and the Annex thereto, and of Council Framework Decision 2009/905/JHA on accreditation of forensic service providers carrying out laboratory activities

1. The Explanatory Memorandum (EM) relates to Council Decisions authorising the signature and conclusions of the agreements between the European Union and the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Swiss confederation to enable their access as third countries to Prüm, including the provisional application of certain provisions.

2. The Prüm framework lays down provisions stating that EU Member States grant each other access to their automated DNA analysis files, automated fingerprint identification systems and vehicle registration data. DNA and fingerprint exchanges take place based on a "hit/no-hit" approach, which means that DNA profiles or fingerprints found at a crime scene in one EU Member State can be compared automatically with profiles held in the databases of other EU States. These Council Decisions would grant the same rights of access to the law enforcement agencies of the above-mentioned states on the same terms as EU Member States.

SCRUTINY HISTORY

3. N/A


MINISTERIAL RESPONSIBILITY

4. The Home Secretary has responsibility for policy on policing and the fight against crime (except in Scotland and Northern Ireland), including cross border law enforcement co-operation.