The European Union is based on the respect for fundamental rights. Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union expressly recognizes the fundamental right to the protection of personal data. In order to remove potential obstacles to the flows of Personal Data and to ensure a high level of protection within the EU, data protection legislation has been harmonized.
The Commission also engages in dialogue with non-EU/EEA countries so as to achieve a high level of protection of individuals when exporting personal data to those countries. It also initiates studies on the development at European and international level on the state of data protection and negotiates international agreements to safeguard the rights of individuals where their personal data are transferred (shared) to (with) third countries for law enforcement purposes, such as the fight against terrorism and serious crime.
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