Washington, DC - Statement by Secretary Johnson on The European Union's Passenger Name Record Directive:

Yesterday, the European Union Parliament approved the European Union’s Passenger Name Record Directive. I applaud this action.

The Directive will allow EU Member States to collect and analyze Passenger Name Records. This will help law enforcement prevent criminals and terrorists from boarding planes, and will improve Europe’s ability to prevent attacks against aviation targets.

I congratulate Commissioner Avramopoulos, President Schulz, Deputy Chairman Kirkhope, Minister Ard van der Steur and the many others who pursued this effort. I look forward to a swift adoption of the Directive by the Council of the European Union.