Statement by the spokespersons of EU Council President Van Rompuy on press reports of U.S. surveillance of EU premises

1/7/2013 EU source: Council  - Ref: CL13-063EN

Summary: 1 July 2013, Brussels - The spokespersons of Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, issued the following statement today on the press reports of U.S. surveillance of EU premises:

"The President of the European Council is very concerned by the press reports with allegations of U.S. surveillance of EU premises abroad and in Brussels. The European Union, including through its External Action Service, is examining the allegations and in contact with U.S. authorities.

The European Union has demanded and expects full and urgent clarification by the U.S. regarding the allegations. The President of the European Council takes note of the remarks today by U.S. President Barack Obama and his commitment to make sure to provide all the information that U.S. allies want and what exactly the allegations have been."