Brussels, 02/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - Since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, international agreements signed by the EU and negotiated in areas of legal and police co-operation in criminal affairs (formerly under the “third pillar”) will now be subject to a formal vote at the European Parliament. On Wednesday 2 December, the European Parliament pointed out that several agreements signed by the EU - seven in total - will be applied temporarily but will not be ratified. Among them, are agreements between the EU and the US involving Swift (see other article) and the transfer of Passenger Name Records (PNR) with the US and Australia. According to Parliament's legal services, the Council will now be legally obliged to consult the European Parliament as soon as possible in this connection. (B.C./transl.fl)