European Union (EU) Justice Ministers on Friday approved the start of talks 
The negotiations between the EU and the U.S. on a bilateral agreement on the protection of personal information, such as passenger data or financial information, which is transferred as part of transatlantic cooperation in the fight against terrorism or crime.
“Today’s decision gives us the green light to negotiate a solid and coherent agreement with the United States which balances enforceable rights for individuals with the strong cooperation we need to prevent terrorism and organized crime,” Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding said.
Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks against the U.S., both blocs have reinforced cooperation in the fight against terrorism. However, to overcome the two sides’ different approaches in protecting personal data, the talks will focus on the way to harmonize, execute and control data protection standards.
“Once in place, the agreement would enhance citizens’ right to access, rectify or delete data when it is processed with the aim to prevent, investigate, detect or prosecute criminal offenses, including terrorism,” Reding said in a statement.
The commissioner is expected to meet her U.S. counterparts in Washington next week to start negotiations on this issue.