The Council took note of the state-of-play concerning this file. The main fundamental outstanding question is whether this Framework Decision should also apply to domestic data processing, or only to cross-border data processing.
The position of the vast majority of delegations has so far been that any data gathered in the context of an internal investigation could, at a later stage, possibly be exchanged with foreign authorities and that therefore the scope of the Framework Decision should encompass all data. The opposing delegations thought the scope of the Framework Decision should be limited to the cross-border exchange of data.
This Framework Decision would determine common standards to ensure the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data in the framework of police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters, provided for by Title VI of the Treaty on European Union, while safeguarding citizens' freedom and providing them with a high level of safety.