NSA Spying Could Complicate US-Europe Trade Talks

October 25, 2013

Allegations that the U.S. National Security Agency collected millions of phone records across the Atlantic and tapped cell phone communications by world leaders, have overshadowed a meeting of European leaders in Brussels. Some say the allegations have shattered their trust in the Obama administration. Others say the revelations undermine the crucial trans-Atlantic relationship and could complicate trade negotiations between two of the world’s biggest economic blocs. VOA'S Mil Arcega reports.

The size and reach of the alleged NSA surveillance have outraged European leaders. French President Francois Hollande called it “unacceptable." German Chancellor Angela Merkel - whose cell phone was allegedly tapped by the U.S. - said her trust has been severely shaken. And at an E.U. gathering in Brussels, Germany’s Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle demanded the truth.

“For us, spying on close friends and partners is totally unacceptable. This undermines trust and this can harm our friendship," said Westerwelle.

The White House has denied the most serious charges, saying the United States is not monitoring and will not monitor the German leader’s communications. But less clear is whether it did so in the past.

European Parliament President Martin Schulz expressed disbelief. "I asked United States officials if this is true. They said perhaps, because of anti-terror measures… I could guarantee the European Parliament is not planning terrorist attacks on the United States!”