The European Parliament approved a joint system for Police and Justice Officials to access airline passenger data on all flights to and from the EU. The measure was passed by 461 votes to 179 against.

• The creation of the new system will enable security agencies to systematically store the data of airline passengers travelling to, from and within the EU.
• The creation of a European passenger name records (PNR) system gained momentum following 2015 Paris terrorist attacks. The March 22 attacks in Brussels added further urgency.
• PNR includes name, travel dates, itinerary, ticket details, contact details, travel agent, and means of payment, seat number and baggage information.
• Counter-terrorism officials have lobbied for years for the introduction of Passenger Name Records (PNR), arguing that sharing data will help them trace suspicious itineraries. EU countries will have two years to turn it into national law.

Did You Know?

• The European Union (EU) is a politico-economic union of 28 member states that are located primarily in Europe.
• The EU has developed an internal single market through a standardised system of laws that apply in all member states.
• The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC), formed by the Inner Six countries in 1951 and 1958, respectively.
• The union maintains permanent diplomatic missions throughout the world and represents itself at the United Nations, the WTO, the G8, and the G-20.
• Because of its global influence, the European Union has been described as a current or as a potential superpower.