Date of release : 24-05-2005

Policy area : Justice and Home Affairs Justice and Home Affairs

Luc Frieden, Chairman of the Council of Ministers for Justice of the European Union, and Franco Frattini, Vice-President of the European Commission, welcomed the American Secretary for Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, in Brussels on 24 May 2005.

As emphasised by Minister Frieden at the close of talks, the meeting served to strengthen transatlantic dialogue on common security issues. Indeed, according to Luc Frieden, the effective fight against organised crime and terrorism requires a common solution at European level and close collaboration with the Union's partners.

The Ministers spoke about mechanisms of preventing terrorist attacks, security of passports, visas and of certain exchanges of information in relation to travel by plane. The meeting also served to prepare the EU-USA Summit to be held under the Luxembourg Presidency in Washington in June. 

During the press briefing with Secretary Chertoff, Luc Frieden stated that the meeting was important, constructive and fruitful. Secretary Chertoff highlighted the importance of dialogue with Europe on common security problems by explaining that he deliberately chose Europe for his first trip abroad in his capacity as American Secretary for Homeland Security.