EU dubs US air plans unacceptable

[dipsydoodle]

EU officials have strongly criticised US attempts to re-open a 2007 deal on exchanging personal information of trans-Atlantic air passengers.

The United States has recently offered several EU countries visa-free travel if they agree to tougher restrictions.

Although citizens from some European countries do not need a visa, many newer EU member states are excluded.

EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini said it was unacceptable that the US had tried to reach separate accords.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7243597.stm

[mvccd1000]

1. I don't see an issue with it...

... other than, perhaps, the fact that the US was doing a bit of an end run by trying to negotiate separate agreements.

Don't we already allow visa-free visits from countries whose security we trust? Why would it be be any different to offer the same things to other countries if they meet the same criteria?

[dipsydoodle]

2. It's an issue

because of our relevant data protection acts here in Europe. That was the background to the absense of any agreement in the past and why attempts at using a back door don't really wash.

[mvccd1000]

3. That's understandable...

... and I can see the reason for the proposal being shot down.

I guess the part I don't have a problem with is the offer: "If you're willing to meet these criteria, we're willing to offer you visa-free visits."

Since we already offer visa-free visits to other countries who apparently have to meet those criteria, I don't have a problem with extending the same offer to more countries.