EU Faces Criticism Over Secret Police Data Talks With Israel

The European Commission is facing criticism over alleged secret negotiations with Israel on a police data-sharing agreement that could involve highly sensitive personal information, according to a report by civil rights group Statewatch published by Novara Media.

The proposed agreement, reportedly negotiated with Europol, could allow the exchange of biometric and genetic data, location information, political views and other personal details.

Critics say the talks have continued despite a 2022 opinion from the Council of the EU’s Legal Service, which reportedly found the proposed arrangement legally problematic. The opinion warned that such cooperation could risk legitimising Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory and undermine Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

Human rights and legal experts are particularly concerned about data collected by European police missions in the West Bank and Rafah. They warn that information transferred to Israeli authorities could potentially be incorporated into surveillance systems and used against Palestinians.

The draft reportedly includes provisions intended to prevent data from being used in occupied territories, but broad exceptions involving imminent threats to life and criminal investigations have raised further concerns.

Critics argue the proposed agreement would go beyond a narrower 2018 arrangement that excluded personal data sharing and the occupied territories. They say the EU should reconsider the deal in light of international legal rulings and allegations of serious violations against Palestinians.

The controversy comes amid the continuing humanitarian and security crisis in Gaza, where Palestinian authorities say Israeli military operations have continued despite the October 2025 ceasefire.