Luxembourg data connection reportedly monitored by NSA

(CS/G.C.) A confidential email published by an Austrian MP appears to show a collaboration between German intelligence service BND and its US counterpart, the NSA, to monitor internet connections between Luxembourg and Vienna, Ankara, Moscow and Prague.

The email was sent by an employee of Deutsche Telekom to his contact at Germany's “Bundesnachrichtendienst” and speaks of a “large system transfer”, linking a Luxembourg connection.

The document goes on to say that this includes four lines on “your first list of priorities”: Luxembourg – Vienna, Luxembourg – Ankara, Luxembourg – Moscow, and Luxembourg – Prague.

The sender also asks for confirmation that everything is “okay”, saying that another connection would be added in the coming week. The email was sent in February 2005.

According to Austrian daily “Der Standard”, the internet connection in question was a priority of the NSA, which turned to the BND for help. The cooperation was known as "Eikonal". 

The BND has recently come under scrutiny in Germany for its activities linked to the US agency's controversial mass surveillance schemes. The Eikonal programme was retired in 2008, however there are allegations that similar programmes between the two intelligence services still exist.

The Austrian Green MP who posted the letter online said it represented a breach of the law. The country's government earlier this month pressed charges against unknown suspects in relation to the BND scandal for espionage activities to the detriment of Austria.

It also urged the German government to explain itself.

The Luxembourg Pirate Party on Friday called for the creation of an inquiry commission, accusing both parliament and the government of having neglected the activities of the US intelligence agency.

There has been no official response.