EU says won't suspend data sharing accords with U.S

European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom listens to a question during a news conference at European Union office in Athens May 14, 2013. REUTERS/John Kolesidis

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union backed down on Wednesday from threats to suspend agreements granting the United States access to European data, rejecting calls for a tougher stance over alleged U.S. spying.

The move marks an abrupt about-turn for the European Commission, the EU executive, after warnings it issued in July to U.S. officials following revelations that Washington had spied on European citizens and EU institutions.