Joint Statement by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström

The following press release was published by the US Department of Homeland Security on Dec. 8, 2010. It is reproduced in full below.

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary Contact: 202-282-8010 “By launching today the negotiations on the U.S.-EU Passenger Name Record (PNR) agreement between the United States and the European Union, we reaffirm our mutual intention to ensure security, including combating terrorism and serious transnational crime, while respecting the privacy of passengers. Technical negotiations will begin in January. They will build upon our positive experience with the 2007 agreement, which will remain in effect during these negotiations, while taking into account our shared commitment to protecting the vital, inextricable interests of security and protection of personal data. The United States and the European Union are determined to reach a fully operational and effective agreement as quickly as possible.”

Source: US Department of Homeland Security