2008 Speeches, Interviews, and Documents
Common Press statement of EU and US representatives meeting in Brdo on 13 March 2008
Press Statement
EU and US representatives agreed to pursue discussion on visa waiver issues on the following basis:
Common goal
Their common goal is to achieve secure visa-free travel, in full compliance with applicable laws, between the Member States of the EU and the USA as soon as possible.
Twin Track approach
In the process of concluding Memoranda of Understanding and implementing arrangements concerning the Visa Waiver Programme, it was agreed to follow a twin track approach.
Those matters that fall within national responsibilities will be discussed with national authorities while those that fall within EU responsibility will be discussed with EU authorities.
Electronic system for travel authorisation (ESTA)
USA will share further details with the EU on ESTA implementation. These discussions are to be completed by June 2008. ESTA will be applied consistently to all EU Member States and will be coordinated with the EU's future system.
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| Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Slovenian Minister of Justice Lovro Šturm, Slovenian Minister of the Interior Dragutin Mate, and Franco Frattini, European Commission Vice-President responsible for justice, freedom and security participate in a press conference following the U.S.-EU ministerial meeting on justice and home affairs. |