U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström made the following joint statement on launching the negotiations on the U.S.-EU Passenger Name Record (PNR) agreement between the United States and the European Union.

"By launching today the negotiations on the U.S.-EU Passenger Name Record (PNR) agreement between the United States and the European Union, we reaffirm our mutual intention to ensure security, including combating terrorism and serious transnational crime, while respecting the privacy of passengers. Technical negotiations will begin in January. They will build upon our positive experience with the 2007 agreement, which will remain in effect during these negotiations, while taking into account our shared commitment to protecting the vital, inextricable interests of security and protection of personal data. The United States and the European Union are determined to reach a fully operational and effective agreement as quickly as possible."