For the purposes of this Directive, Member States shall, in accordance with national law and/or practice, designate one or more competent authorities, which may include the liaison office(s) as referred to in Article 4 of Directive 96/71/EC. When designating their competent authorities Member States shall have due regard for the need to ensure data protection of exchanged information and the legal rights of natural and legal persons that may be affected. Member States shall remain ultimately responsible for safeguarding data protection and the legal rights of affected persons and shall put in place appropriate mechanisms in this respect.

Member States shall communicate the contact details of the competent authorities to the Commission and to the other Member States. The Commission shall publish and regularly update the list of the competent authorities and liaison offices.

Other Member States and Union institutions shall respect each Member State's choice of competent authorities.