Statement of the Spokeswoman of the European Commission following the discussion in today's weekly Commission meeting on the alleged US intelligence activities targeting EU institutions and Member States.

"The College of Commissioners received the President's report on the situation and on the reactions by the EU institutions and Member States. It reiterated the strong concerns over the allegations of US intelligence activities targeting EU institutions and Member States and the urgency of a clarification by the US.

The College of Commissioners asked the HRVP Catherine Ashton to continue coordinating the positions of the EU institutions and Member States on this matter and contacts with the US. It took note of the letter of US Attorney General Holder to Vice-President Reding and Commissioner Malmström regarding the launch of the EU/US high level expert group on oversight of intelligence activities that was already agreed at the Dublin ministerial meeting in June, which will address both intelligence collection and intelligence oversight.

The College considered that whilst the beginning of EU/US trade negotiation should not be affected, the EU side will make it clear that for such a comprehensive and ambitious negotiation to succeed, there needs to be confidence, transparency and clarity among the negotiating partners."

Source: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-641_en.htm?locale=en