MEPs seek challenge to EU-US air data deal

Senior MEPs will call for a legal challenge to EU handovers of air passenger data to US security agencies agreed in Washington on Friday.

European Parliament political party chiefs meet on June 16 to discuss a Trans-Atlantic anti-terror deal signed in the face of fierce opposition from MEPs.

US ‘homeland security’ chief Tom Ridge and EU ambassador Günter Burghardt put their signatures to an agreement despite parliament's claim MEPs had not been properly consulted.

MEPs have rejected Washington assurances that transfers of computerised information - including email addresses, phone numbers and credit card details – will respect EU privacy law.

Senior parliament bosses will discuss the deal and a possible EU court challenge to overturn the agreement.

The decision will hinge on whether MEPs can accept US safeguards alongside the decision of national governments and Brussels to ignore parliament.

Liberal leader Graham Watson will table calls for action - but MEPs do not return until July 19.

"It is most regrettable that the commission and the council [of foreign ministers] have ignored the European Parliament's objections to this deal," he said.

"Parliament will now seriously have to consider how to protect its prerogatives."

But America and the European Commission is insisting that the agreement balances data protection law and the needs of the post-September war on terror.

“The US and the EU are equally committed to not only improve the safety and security of air passengers but also to protect the privacy of air passengers consistent with both US and European laws,” said Ridge.

"Today’s signing is the result of more than a year of negotiations between the US and the European Commission, and is a sign of our united commitment to combat terrorism."

Brussels snubbed MEPs a fortnight ago giving the OK to controversial handovers of EU air passenger data to US security agencies.

The commission ruled the transfers of computerised booking information 'adequate' under EU privacy law.

Europe's foreign ministers then rubberstamped the Trans-Atlantic agreement to give legal cover for exchanges that have been in place for over a year.

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