Transfer of biometric data to the Trump administration

Question for written answer E-002416/2025 to the Council Rule 144 Özlem Demirel (The Left) Subject: Transfer of biometric data to the Trump administration The Enhanced Border Security Partnership (EBSP) is a security agreement that the US Government obliges countries to sign if they wish to participate in the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). This gives US authorities direct access to police-maintained biometric databases for such personal data as fingerprints and facial images. However, the initiative has raised legal and political concerns as it runs counter to the common EU legal framework. Critics also warn of an imbalance because it is unclear whether the data exchange is to be on a reciprocal basis. Such an agreement is open to abuse, particularly under the current US administration. 1. Does the Council know whether the Trump administration, like its predecessor, is requiring countries participating in the VWP to sign up to the EBSP, and whether and how it differs from previous demands? 2. In what formats has the EBSP or a comparable programme been discussed between the EU and the Trump administration to date? 3. To what end, and with what outcome, was the issue discussed at the EU-US Justice and Home Affairs ministerial meeting in early June 2025? Submitted: 16.6.2025 PE775.168v01-00