The United States and the European Union signed an agreement this week aimed at strengthening the security of cargo containers moving through seaports so that they can't be used to smuggle terrorists or their weapons.
The agreement expands the U.S. Container Security Initiative, now under way at some E.U. ports. That program allows U.S. customs inspectors to be stationed at foreign ports to screen cargo headed for the States and gives participating countries a similar option to put inspectors in America.
Officials say that nine seaports in Europe already are participating in the program and that the new agreement will add another 11 ports.