The European Union threatened on Friday (July 5) to suspend agreements granting the United States access to European financial and travel data unless Washington shows it is respecting strict EU rules on data privacy.

"We need complete transparency and a maximum of information on both programs. Considering the context in which this conversation will take place, we count on the US' full cooperation in disclosing and sharing all relevant information," Cercone said.

"Should we fail to demonstrate the benefits of the TFTP and of the PNR instruments for our citizens and the fact that they have been implemented in full compliance with the law, their credibility will be seriously affected and in such a case, we will be obliged to reconsider if the conditions of their implementation are still met," Cercone said.