EU, TSA agree on screening standards

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Transportation Security Administration and the European Union announced an agreement that establishes a common set of air cargo screening standards.

The TSA signed the air cargo screening agreement with the EU Directorate General for Energy and Transport. Officials say the deal outlines a set of consistent screening standards for air cargo in passenger aircraft, the TSA reported.

The agreement is part of an effort to develop a shared set of technical standards for airport security authorities in the United States and Europe and strengthen threat detection capabilities.

"By synchronizing the way that air cargo is secured on both sides of the Atlantic (Ocean), we're taking another potential vulnerability off the table for terrorists," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said in a statement.

"I commend our European Union partners on their commitment to this landmark agreement."