Brussels, 25/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - Despite pressure from the European Parliament, the Council of the EU will not defer the entry into force of the EU/US agreement on the transfer of banking data (Swift). This interim agreement is deemed essential by both the EU and Washington for fighting against terrorism and is due to apply from 1 February until 31 October, in an effort to avoid clashing with a mechanism due to expire on the 31 January. The president of the Parliament, Jerzy Buzek (EPP, Poland), supported by the different political groups, called on the Council on Thursday 21 January, to postpone the entry into force of the text until 15 February, in an effort to enable MEPs to examine the contents of the text (EUROPE 10062). In his letter of reply, the Spanish president states, nonetheless, that international law legally imposes application of the agreement on the planned date and it is therefore impossible for him to postpone the date of implementation. The letter also insists on the fact that the European Parliament now assumes its responsibilities: either it decides to accept the agreement as it is and how it was signed at the end of November 2009 or it decides to throw it out, with all the consequences that this implies for the security of its citizens. European foreign affairs ministers officially addressed a demand on Monday 25 January to the European Parliament calling for this agreement to be approved. This request is annexed to the signed text on which the civil liberties committee (LIBE) will hold its discussion on Wednesday 27 January (LIBE). The Assembly is expected to give its definitive decision regarding the agreement on 9 or 10 February, even if the latter is still in force. The controversial agreement allows the US Treasury Department to continue - as it has done since the attacks of September 2001 - to access banking information managed by Swift, a private company based near Brussels. The latter processes financial flows from almost 8000 banks in the world (EUROPE 10060). Parliament has already managed to be involved in the elaboration of the future definitive agreement expected to enter into force on 1 November. (B.C./transl.fl)