Viviane Reding: "More joint research projects and an open regulatory dialogue: Keys for better business conditions and improved market access..."

The EU Press Room has published the Speech "More joint research projects and an open regulatory dialogue: Keys for better business conditions and improved market access between the EU and South East Asia in the ICT sector" delivered by Viviane Reding, Member of the European Commission responsible for the Information Society and Media, at Opening of the EU-South East Asia Forum on the Information Society, Singapore, 19 June.

"Transfer of passenger name records (PNR): The Commission adopts two initiatives to comply with the Ruling of the ECJ"

As stated by the EU Press Room, "The European Commission adopted today two initiatives to put a legally sound framework in place for the transfer of PNR data to the United States. These initiatives are the first European answers to correct the legal basis for the Agreement with the US that was struck down by the European Court of Justice on 30 May 2006. The Court ruled that the Article 95 EC-Treaty was not an appropriate legal basis for the transfer of PNR data which are essentially aiming to ensure public security and activities by public authorities in areas of criminal law.
As the Agreement with the United-States remains in force under international law for a period of 90 days after it is denounced by either Party, the Commission recommends to the Council to terminate the Agreement with the US before the end of this month.
At the same time the Commission asks the Council for an authorisation to open negotiations for an Agreement with the United States of America on the use of PNR data to prevent and combat terrorism and transnational crime, including organised crime."

This Press Release is available in full text.

"Commission seeks to improve network and information security in Europe"

According to the EU Press Room, "Businesses, individuals and public administrations in Europe still underestimate the risks of insufficiently protecting networks and information. Security presently represents only around 5-13% of IT expenditure, which is alarmingly low. The Commission is therefore promoting greater awareness, in a policy document adopted today, through an open and inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue on a new IT Security Strategy for Europe. A partnership amongst Member States, involving the IT industry and users as well as the European network security agency ENISA should lead to more trustworthy, secure and reliable information and communication technologies. People and organisations must be empowered to look after their own interests and responsibilities."

This Press Release is available in full text.