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EU-US agree to tighten aviation security

23 January 2010 16:59 (UTC +04:00)

Baku - APA. The European Union and the U.S. have agreed to pursue ways to strengthen international aviation security and plan a meeting in April to address ongoing efforts, aviationweek reported.
Their objectives were outlined in a Jan. 21 joint declaration issued shortly after a meeting in Toledo, Spain, of ministers of EU member states, the President of the European Commission and U.S. Homeland Security Dept. Secretary Janet Napolitano.
Their objectives in thwarting terrorist attempts include working toward earlier identification of adversaries through use of enhanced passenger screening, more secure travel documents and biometrics. In addition, they aim to use enhanced technologies to detect and prevent prohibited materials from getting onboard aircraft. They also agreed to work with partners worldwide to adjust aviation security regimes where necessary, including enhancing security capacity.
The participants, who agreed to continue their cooperation under the EU-US air transport agreement, scheduled a high-level meeting in April (specific date to be determined) to explore ways of working with other international partners in bolstering security.
Exploring ways to improve information-sharing will be a top priority at the April meeting. This includes looking at data information exchange mechanisms that will at the same time protect passenger privacy.
The meetingâ€™s goals include supporting the use of pre-departure information to aid in screening, improving onboard flight protection measures, and sharing best practices search techniques, which include behavioral-detection training. The participants also aim to explore ways to support counter-terrorism work in areas where terrorist groups are known to operate.