Belgian, Dutch PMs condemn US phone tapping in Europe

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Thursday expressed his support to German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her objections against tapping of her mobile by the US secret service. "If Merkel's phone has indeed been hacked by the National Security Agency, this is a very serious problem and has to be strongly condemned," he told reporters in on the sidelines of the EU summit. Rutte voiced his "full support of Merkel in her objections against being hacked." Regarding concerted EU action against US, Rutte said first we need to have all the facts and after EU research into NSA activities has been finished, steps can be taken. On his part, Elio DI Rupo, Prime Minister of Belgium said "we can't accept systematic spying, we have to take measures". "National measures are not enough, need to take European measures. Between allies, we can find a mechanism for collaboration, but no spying," he added.