Draft legislation amending the provisions on the Schengen Information System circulated for comments

The Ministry of the Interior has sent the draft government proposal on legislation supplementing the EU regulations on the use of the Schengen Information System (SIS) out for comments. The aim is to amend the personal data legislation of the police, the Border Guard and Customs as required by the EU regulations on the SIS.

At the same time, amendments are proposed to harmonise and clarify provisions on access to information contained in the common information systems of the EU for the prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offences and serious crime. In addition, the government proposal includes amendments concerning the disclosure of data to the common information systems. The amendments proposed to national legislation are mainly technical in nature, and the proposed provisions would not significantly change the current state of affairs. For residents of EU countries, changes would be reflected in better cooperation between the authorities and in the promotion of security across the EU.

National provisions on the processing of personal data affect the information that Member States may disclose to the Schengen Information System. In Finland, the processing of fingerprints in particular is strictly restricted. The draft government proposal does not suggest extending the provisions on the use of fingerprints.

SIS regulations aim to ensure a high level of security in Europe

The EU regulations on the use of the SIS entered into force on 28 December 2018. The aim of the regulations is to step up the fight against terrorism and serious crime, to ensure a high level of security across the EU and to promote migration management by increasing the exchange of information between Member States. 

The SIS is a large-scale, centralised information system that supports checks at the external Schengen borders and improves law enforcement and judicial cooperation in Europe.

The deadline for submitting comments is 13 November 2020. The government proposal is due to be submitted to Parliament during the autumn session 2020.

The legislative project will help in achieving the goals of one of the strategic themes of the Government Programme, Safe and secure Finland built on the rule of law. 

Inquiries:

Suvi Pato-Oja, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 379, [email protected]