European Commission said it wants to begin negotiations with the United States on a common VWP framework

A day after the Travel Industry Association praised the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for signing Estonia and Latvia to memoranda of understanding to participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program--following a similar deal with the Czech Republic--the for all European Union member states. EC said it "became necessary that the Commission take steps to bring about uniform conditions," given the European Community's "common visa policy." EC said it would open talks with the United States after its recommendation receives European Council approval.