Statement by Commission spokeswoman on the newspaper allegations of surveillance of Vice-President Almunia

EU News 537/2013

MEMO/13/1189
Brussels, 20 December 2013

Responding to questions following allegations in newspapers this afternoon of surveillance by US and UK intelligence services of Vice-President Almunia, the spokeswoman of the European Commission Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen stated the following:

"This piece of news follows a series of other revelations which, as we clearly stated in the past, if proven true, are unacceptable and deserve our strongest condemnation. This is not the type of behaviour that we expect from strategic partners, let alone from our own Member States.

These issues are already being dealt with through the working groups created with the United States. The Commission has also recently adopted a communication with a number of measures which are needed to restore trust and confidence in the transatlantic relationship. We equally welcome the internal review process that the United States' administration is conducting on its intelligence activities. We trust that this will lead to intelligence collection which is respectful of our democracies and the fundamental rights of our citizens. The Commission will raise these new allegations with US and UK authorities."

Source and additional information:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-1189_en.htm?locale=en

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