国际英语新闻:EU demands U.S. clarification on spying scandal

BRUSSELS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) demanded the U.S. government to fully and urgently clarify the alleged spying scandal, said the spokesperson of the European Council President Herman Van Rompuy on Monday.

"The President of the European Council is very concerned by the press reports with allegations of U.S. surveillance of EU premises abroad and in Brussels," said the spokesperson of Van Rompuy in a statement. "The European Union, including through its External Action Service, is examining the allegations and in contact with U.S. authorities."

"The European Union has demanded and expects full and urgent clarification by the U.S. regarding the allegations. The President of the European Council takes note of the remarks today by U.S.," said the spokesperson, referring to President Barack Obama's commitment to provide all the information that U.S. allies want.

German media group SPIEGEL reported last Saturday that the U.S. National Security Agency had not only conducted online surveillance of European citizens, but also appeared to have specifically targeted buildings housing European Union institutions.