The UK has allegedly opted out of a new EU data-sharing scheme designed to reboot tourism across the continent, eliciting a fresh round of criticism from travel companies. EU travel data-sharing scheme

The scheme, called Re-open EU, sees member states share real-time information on border restrictions and available means of transport and tourism services, as well as public health and safety measures such as physical distancing or wearing of facemasks. According to the European Commission, the website and app where travellers can find the information have been developed to allow them to make

“responsible and well-informed decisions on how to manage continuing risks related to coronavirus while planning their holidays and travels”.

However, a commission spokesperson told the Guardian newspaper that the UK had not provided information for the scheme despite receiving an invitation to participate. A UK government spokesperson said the nation would expect not to be included in such maps because it is no longer a member of the EU, adding that it “regularly shares information on our travel, border and health measures with key partners”.

Responding to the news, Business Travel Association CEO Clive Wratten told BTN Europe:

“It’s a great shame to see the UK opt out of this scheme. As a result, business travellers are being excluded from a useful tool that could help get the British economy moving again. We urge the government to reconsider its approach to sharing data.” EU travel data-sharing scheme

Ralph Hollister, travel and tourism analyst at GlobalData, commented:

“Delayed reaction to slow the spread and buffer the economic impact of Covid-19, combined with current rules regarding social distancing and quarantining is significantly delaying the recovery of the UK travel sector.

“The UK now seems to be obstructing progress even further by opting out of an information-sharing scheme led by the EU. The failure to adhere to this informative idea could mean that Great Britain will become further isolated from its European neighbours. This reluctance may deter countries from attempting to strike up conversation around setting up air bridges with the UK.”

Key points about the scheme:

1. Data Collection: Airlines operating flights to, from, and within the EU are required to collect passenger data, such as names, travel dates, travel itineraries, and contact details. This information is transmitted to the national Passenger Information Unit (PIU) of the respective EU member state.
2. Data Usage: The collected PNR data is used to identify potential threats, and suspect patterns of travel, and assist in post-event investigations. It’s also checked against databases of wanted criminals or terror watchlists.
3. Data Protection: The EU places a high emphasis on the protection of personal data. There are regulations in place that limit how long the data can be stored and how it can be accessed. After six months, the data must be “depersonalized,” meaning that certain identifying features are masked, although it remain accessible in certain cases.
4. International Cooperation: The EU also has agreements with non-EU countries, such as the U.S., Canada, and Australia, for the exchange of PNR data to bolster global security.
5. Controversies: Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the potential misuse of data and the risk of over-surveillance. EU courts have reviewed the legality of such schemes, ensuring that they comply with human rights standards related to privacy.

This scheme is part of broader EU efforts to combat cross-border crimes while maintaining a balance between security and privacy rights.

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