Council Decision (EU) 2026/828 of 30 March 2026 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and the Republic of Ecuador, of the other part, on cooperation between the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and the Ecuadorian authorities competent for combating serious crime and terrorism
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Address https://gelex.eu/eli/EU/decision/2026/828@2026-03-30/en
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 16(2) and Article 88, in conjunction with Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), and Article 218(7) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament,
Whereas:
(1) Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council provides that it is possible for the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) to transfer personal data to an authority of a third country on the basis of, inter alia, an international agreement concluded between the Union and that third country pursuant to Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), adducing adequate safeguards with respect to the protection of privacy and fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.
(2) In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2025/1541, the Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and the Republic of Ecuador, of the other part, on cooperation between the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and the Ecuadorian authorities competent for combating serious crime and terrorism (the Agreement) was signed on 30 March 2026, subject to its conclusion at a later date.
(3) The Agreement establishes cooperative relations between Europol and the competent authorities of Ecuador, and allows for the transfer of personal and non-personal data between them, with a view to combating serious crime and terrorism and protecting the security of the Union and its citizens.
(4) The Agreement ensures full respect for the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (the Charter), including the right to respect for private and family life, recognised in Article 7 of the Charter, the right to the protection of personal data, recognised in Article 8 of the Charter, and the right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial, recognised in Article 47 of the Charter. The Agreement includes adequate safeguards for the protection of personal data transferred by Europol under the Agreement.
(5) The Agreement does not affect, and is without prejudice to, the transfer of personal data or other forms of cooperation between the authorities responsible for safeguarding national security.
(6) Pursuant to Article 218(7) TFEU, it is appropriate for the Council to authorise the Commission to approve, on the Union’s behalf, amendments to Annexes II, III and IV to the Agreement.
(7) Ireland is bound by Regulation (EU) 2016/794 and is therefore taking part in the adoption of this Decision.
(8) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.
(9) The European Data Protection Supervisor was consulted in accordance with Article 42(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council and delivered an opinion on 17 July 2025.
(10) The Agreement should be approved on behalf of the Union,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and the Republic of Ecuador, of the other part, on cooperation between the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and the Ecuadorian authorities competent for combating serious crime and terrorism is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.
Article 2
For the purposes of Article 31(2) of the Agreement, the position to be taken on behalf of the Union on amendments to Annexes II, III and IV to the Agreement shall be approved by the Commission after consultation with the Council.
Article 3
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
Done at Brussels, 30 March 2026. For the Council The President M. Panayiotou