EU: Statewatch Analysis: The Directive on data protection and law enforcement: A Missed Opportunity? by Steve Peers, Professor of Law, Law School, University of Essex

In January 2012, the Commission proposed a comprehensive overview of these two key measures. The 1995 data protection Directive would be replaced by a Regulation, which would remove much of the discretion left to Member States by the current Directive. On the other hand, the Framework Decision would be replaced by a Directive, which would be binding but which would leave to Member States the choice of form and methods to implement it. See: Analysis (pdf)