Assessment of reliability of the source and accuracy of information

1.   The reliability of the source of information originating from a Member State shall be assessed as far as possible by the providing Member State using the following source evaluation codes:
(A): where there is no doubt as to the authenticity, trustworthiness and competence of the source, or if the information is provided by a source which has proved to be reliable in all instances;
(B): where the information is provided by a source which has in most instances proved to be reliable;
(C): where the information is provided by a source which has in most instances proved to be unreliable;
(X): where the reliability of the source cannot be assessed.
2.   The accuracy of information originating from a Member State shall be assessed as far as possible by the providing Member State using the following information evaluation codes:
(1): information the accuracy of which is not in doubt;
(2): information known personally to the source but not known personally to the official passing it on;
(3): information not known personally to the source but corroborated by other information already recorded;
(4): information not known personally to the source and which cannot be corroborated.
3.   Where Europol, on the basis of information already in its possession, comes to the conclusion that the assessment provided for in paragraphs 1 or 2 needs to be corrected, it shall inform the Member State concerned and seek to agree on an amendment to the assessment. Europol shall not change the assessment without such agreement.
4.   Where Europol receives information from a Member State without an assessment in accordance with paragraphs 1 or 2, it shall attempt to assess the reliability of the source or the accuracy of information on the basis of information already in its possession. The assessment of specific data and information shall take place in agreement with the providing Member State. A Member State may also agree with Europol in general terms on the assessment of specified types of data and specified sources. If no agreement is reached in a specific case, or no agreement in general terms exists, Europol shall assess the information or data and shall attribute to such information or data the evaluation codes (X) and (4) referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 respectively.
5.   This Article shall apply
mutatis mutandis
where Europol receives data or information from a Union body, third country, international organisation or private party.
6.   Information from publicly available sources shall be assessed by Europol using the evaluation codes set out in paragraphs 1 and 2.
7.   Where information is the result of an analysis made by Europol in the performance of its tasks, Europol shall assess such information in accordance with this Article, and in agreement with the Member States participating in the analysis.