EU and US Collaborate on Data Security and Counter-Terrorism Efforts

The European Commission's Vice President Viviane Reding engaged in discussions with US officials on addressing data security and counter-terrorism issues. The talks follow the agreement made by EU and US leaders in Lisbon to establish a joint cyber working group. Reding highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two parties, citing the shared challenges of protecting personal data and combating cyber threats.

Key Takeaways:

• Reding acknowledged potential differences in views between the EU and US on protecting personal data, but emphasized the need for a joint approach to address the issue.
• The EU has traditionally been more serious about protecting individual privacy rights than the US, with the EU's citizens being "very nervous" about the protection of their personal data.
• The EU's stance on WikiLeaks is that the revelations were not new or surprising, with the European press and internet already carrying similar information.
• Reding emphasized the importance of tackling gender inequality in the workforce, citing statistics showing that 60% of European university graduates are women, but only 10% of top management positions are held by women.
• Reding suggested that quotas could be an effective method to increase female representation in leadership positions, but acknowledged that this approach is not ideal.
• Reding emphasized the benefits of having women in leadership positions, including improved company performance and sales, with 80% of consumer decisions being made by women.

Statistics:

• 60% of European university graduates are women.
• Only 10% of top management positions in Europe are held by women.
• 80% of consumer decisions in Europe are made by women.
• Companies with women on their boards are more likely to perform better in terms of equity, sales, and return on investment.

Sources:

• Bloomberg News
• CQ-Roll Call
• European Commission
• EU-US joint cyber working group