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The European Union\'s Justice Commissioner says time is ripe for a QUOTE strong and united stand on data protection against US surveillance operations.

Viviane Reding called on European states to adopt a data protection law for facing the US as a strong and united entity. This comes amid new reports that the US has been spying on its European allies. Germany has summoned the US ambassador to Berlin over reports that Washington had monitored German Chancellor Angela Merkel\'s cell phone. Merkel herself has called the U-S president to demand immediate clarification. She\'s also set to discuss Washington\'s snooping in Europe with French President Francois Hollande during a two-day EU summit in Brussels. The White House says Obama has assured Merkel that her cell is not being tapped.