On 13 May 2020, the EP adopted a resolution that calls on the Council not to allow the UK’s participation in the Prüm network as far as the exchange of dactyloscopic data is concerned. In December 2019, the Council principally gave the go-ahead for the automated exchange of dactyloscopic data between the UK and the EU Member States bound by the Prüm Decision. However, the UK was called on to review its policy of excluding suspects’ profiles from automated dactyloscopic data exchange by 15 June 2020 (see eucrim 4/2019, 240).

MEPs believe that the Council should not adopt its implementing decision and also should not take any decision in this regard until guarantees from the UK as regards full reciprocity and data protection have been obtained. Furthermore, MEPs feel that, at this point in time, it makes no sense to let the UK participate in the Prüm network as long as no new legal framework for the new partnership cooperation with the United Kingdom has been concluded. The resolution was drafted by MEP Juan Fernando López Aguilar and debated first in the LIBE Committee.

The EP is only consulted in the procedure, however, and thus has no right to bring down the Council's implementing decision. The Prüm Decision (Council Decision 2008/615/JHA) is the major EU legal framework for law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters, which is primarily related to the exchange of fingerprints, DNA (on a hit/no-hit basis), and vehicle owner registration data (direct access via the EUCARIS system).