On 4 August the US Congress passed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that allows US intelligence services to intercept electronic communications between non-US citizens outside US territory, provided the communication passes US territory. The interception does not require a court order. This US law will thus directly apply to EU citizens as well, and constitutes a major violation of privacy and civil liberties.

1. Can the Commission explain how the personal data of EU citizens are protected, and what means of redress they have if their communications are being intercepted under the new Act?

2. Can the Commission clarify the relation between the EU‑US extradition agreements and information on EU citizens obtained under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act?

3. Will the Commission inform the European Parliament on the state of the transatlantic talks in the High Level Contact Group on the protection of personal data, and will the Commission keep the European Parliament informed on a regular basis, at least after each meeting of the HLCG?

4. Has the US administration consulted with the EU regarding this measure and its implications for EU citizens? If so, at what political or administrative level?

5. Will the Commission ask the US administration for clarification, notably of the impact of this Act on the rights and freedoms of European citizens?

6. Will the Commission carry out the investigation, requested repeatedly by the European Parliament, as to what personal data of EU citizens can be accessed or obtained by third countries, notably the US, and by what legal instruments?