PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

The development of the European integration increases the importance of personal data protection of European citizens. The author traces back the legislation of personal data protection to the current practice of the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. The author also examines the functions and the competences of the European Data Protection Supervisor as one of the newest bodies of the European Union. The new development of personal data protection in accordance with the Lisbon Treaty is also examined. Recently, both European institutions and Member States show exceptional activity in suggesting new measures related to data base, sources of information, the duration of its storage and the ways in which it would be transferred. In any case, however, there is a delicate balance between privacy and other fundamental rights and democratic principles, as well as the considerations related to the protection of public order and security.