US spied on European Commission vice president, internal sources claim

[xchrom]

http://elpais.com/elpais/2013/12/20/inenglish/1387557338_076107.html


Joaquín Almunia, seen in Brussels on Wednesday. / OLIVIER HOSLET (EFE)

The US National Security Agency (NSA) tapped the cellphone of European Commission Vice President Joaquín Almunia between 2008 and 2009, when the Spaniard served as commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, EC sources have told EL PAÍS.

The former leader of the Spanish Socialist Party is the first high-level EC official known to have been a target of the NSA’s spying activities. Sources said that the 65-year-old Almunia has been made aware that his phone was tapped.

After revelations were made by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden that German Chancellor Angela Merkel was spied on by the United States, EC authorities told reporters at the time that none of their officials have been targets.

Sources said that Alumnia’s calls and text messages were monitored at the end of 2008 and early 2009 by not only the NSA but also Britain’s intelligence service GCHQ. The timeframe was a crucial period for the European community.

[countryjake]

1. Here's more on the Almunia revelation...

from Financial Times:
Brussels furious over claims UK and US spied on Almunia

frm the Guardian:
Latest Snowden revelations spark anger at European commission

[xchrom]

2. +1

[countryjake]

3. Did you read that Financial Times article?

Knowing what this guy was in charge of makes the spying even more alarming.

[riderinthestorm]

4. Well clearly he's a terrorist 1!! 11 The NSA is legally bound to spy on this bad guy!! 11!

Its constitutional and legal and keeps us safe and, and, well USA! USA! USA!