Data retention
Absolute agreement was not reached on the proposed framework decision but basic principles were set as a basis for further urgent work. The consensus was that telephone data should be kept for a year and internet data (i.e. e-mails) for 6 months, with options for member states to extend this period. Reimbursement of the costs to industry would be at the discretion of member states. A final decision is to be made by the end of 2005 (see Euractiv 20 Sept 2005).
European evidence warrant (EEW)
Following the success of the European arrest warrant, the EEW is intended to allow simpler exchange of evidence between national police forces. Broad principles were agreed but details on the conditions under which a member state may refuse a warrant remain to be decided. The deadline for agreement is the end of 2005.
Intelligence-led policing
In order to increase the level of intelligence on organised crime throughout Europe, it was decided that Europol should prepare an annual organised crime threat assessment (OCTA). From January 2006, therefore, member states will carry out threat assessments in response to detailed requirements from Europol. Further information from Eurojust and non-EU country agencies will also be in the OCTA, which will then be used by the Council to formulate policing and intelligence strategies.
European order for payment
This proposal (see EurActiv March 16 2005) aims to establish a cross-border procedure for the recovery of debts. The Council agreed on evidence to be provided in the claim form, with a view to a political agreement by the end of 2005.
Immigration
The Council also discussed issues of regional protection programmes for refugees, the community’s programme for the return of illegal immigrants to their home countries and Commission measures to address problems encountered in Spain with the attempted mass entry of Moroccan nationals into the cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
EU/Russia
A meeting of the EU-Russia permanent partnership Council also took place in Luxembourg on 12/13 October at which it was decided that further meetings would be held in 2006 on counter-terrorism, judicial co-operation, border control issues and cyber crime.
