Brussels, 05/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - The Slovenian Presidency of the EU said on Thursday 5 June that it accepted the new security rules which the United States wants to apply to travellers to the US. On Tuesday 3 June, Washington announced new security measures - through an electronic system of travel authorisation (ESTA) - for travellers from Western Europe travelling to the United States for a short stay (see EUROPE 9675). “I personally don't have problems with that,” said Slovenian Home Affairs Minister Dragutin Mate as he arrived at the JHA Council in Luxemburg. He indicated, however, that some countries were wondering about the information that travellers will have to give about possible contagious illnesses. “Some countries have some questions about that, they think that is very personal sensitive data,” he said. European Security Commissioner Jacques Barrot said that he had asked the Americans for more information on ESTA. According to a diplomat present at the meeting, the fact that the United States was asking for information on the health of travellers, even if the travellers agreed to give it, was felt to be “very sensitive” in reference to the main principles of data protection in Europe. At the present time, ESTA will not be recognised as having the same characteristics as a visa. But this could change when payment is demanded for the system. (C.D.)