Anti-terror measures sour transatlantic relations

Few issues have soured transatlantic relations more in recent years than the manner in which the US conducts its war on terror and establishes security criteria for combating the terrorist threat. Following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US, air travel has been a particular focus for this action.

Shortly after the attacks, the US demanded that European airlines submit information on passengers flying into the US through the passenger name records (PNR), which contain data such as name, contact details and itinerary details. After some discussion, the demands resulted in an agreement between the EU and the US over the transfer of this information. The European Parliament expressed concerns over civil liberties and challenged the agreement at the European Court of Justice, which struck down the agreement, not on the grounds of its content but on how it had been established. There have since been follow-up warnings from MEPs over fears for privacy and data protection laws.

As the Council of Ministers prepares to give the European Commission a new mandate to negotiate a replacement deal - to be in place by the end of July - calls are being made for the EU to stand its ground and not allow EU data privacy laws to be eroded by US security demands on people travelling into the country.

Another battle in America’s war on terror has also been played out at European airports: the Council of Europe and the European Parliament have highlighted how suspects were flown illegally through EU member states. Details showing CIA flights originating in Afghanistan or Iraq, stopping in airports in Portugal, Ireland or Germany and then flying on to the US military base at Guantanamo Bay have fuelled fears that European national governments have played a part in so-called extraordinary renditions.

Whether it is European airline passengers under scrutiny or activity at European airports being questioned, these issues are likely to continue to be a point of contention between the EU and US.

Few issues have soured transatlantic relations more in recent years than the manner in which the US conducts its war on terror and establishes security criteria for combating the terrorist threat. Following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US, air travel has been a particular focus for this action.