The European Community and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signed an agreement that, among other things, calls for the prompt expansion of Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Container Security Initiative throughout the European Community. The agreement was signed by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and Irish Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. "This agreement sets the stage for enhanced cooperation between the United States and the European Community on CSI and other important security programs of common interest," said Secretary Ridge. The agreement will intensify and broaden Customs cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters between the European Community and the United States.