US, Europe reach deal on air passenger data

The United States and Europe reached a last-minute deal on new rules governing the supply of personal data on transatlantic air passengers to US law enforcement agencies as part of the fight against terrorism.

"This new agreement will provide a possibility of giving passenger data to the US authorities while guaranteeing sufficient data protection," Finnish Justice Minister Leena Luhtanen told a news conference.

The new interim accord, which should be formally approved by EU governments next week, fills a legal vacuum which airlines feared could expose them to breach of privacy suits.

Under arrangements put in place after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, European airlines pass on data on passengers, such as addresses and credit card details, in order to be allowed to land at US airports.

The EU's highest court struck down that agreement in May on a legal technicality.

The new interim pact will apply until July 2007 and the two sides will negotiate a long-term agreement in the meantime, Ms Luhtanen said.

EU Justice and Security Commissioner Franco Frattini said the deal, clinched in nine hours of overnight negotiations, would make it easier for US law enforcement agencies to obtain the information without giving them automatic electronic access.

The 25-nation EU had initially wanted to simply roll over the invalidated pact on a different legal basis but US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff insisted on better access for law enforcement agencies to the data supplied to border and customs authorities.

- Reuters