Brussels, 10/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 9 December, European Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Viviane Reding told the European Parliament's civil liberties committee that abolishing the so-called Safe Harbour agreement (a set of principles to which US web giants agree to subscribe in exchange for the use of Europeans' personal data) “would not be a good idea” as 95% of European companies have stressed the need for it. On 27 November, the European Commission published a set of communications assessing the bilateral agreements in force with Washington. With regard to Safe Harbour, Reding addressed 13 recommendations to the US for implementation by summer 2014 - failing which there would be reprisals and further action from the Commission. Several MEPs, like Axel Voss (EPP, Germany), have reiterated their desire to suspend Safe Harbour, proposing that the EU, rather than the US Department of Trade, be responsible for assuring companies. (SP/transl.fl)