"We are convinced that the security threat to European citizens is real and substantial. We must take all reasonable measures necessary to ensure the security of all Europeans and to fight terrorism", declared Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.
The SWIFT interim agreement with the United States has been badly handled by the Council. The Council has failed to consult the European Parliament on the negotiations of the interim agreement and has not fully responded to the concerns of many Members of Parliament.
"I therefore call on the Council to come to the plenary session of the European Parliament next week and to respond in full to our concerns. These mainly relate to the possible transfer of personal data to third parties and issues of legal redress."
The SWIFT Agreement, which allows the monitoring of transfers of money within Europe and between Europe and the United States, is a proven tool in the fight against terrorism. "Blocking the SWIFT Agreement could endanger the safety of our citizens. Therefore, we need an agreement and clear assurances from the Council on our main concerns before the vote takes place at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg next week", concluded Joseph Daul.
For further information:
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group, Tel: +32-2-2847525
Antoine Ripoll, Chairman's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290
*Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication
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