Although it represents a bold statement of support to the former NSA staffer, it does not mean he should pack his bags and catch the next flight to Berlin: the vote is not in any way binding on EU member states, and any European country that welcomed Snowden in would find itself under enormous pressure from the United States government to hand him over. The US has long-standing extradition treaties with all European countries.
Nevertheless, Snowden, who fled America and is
holed up in Russia with his girlfriend, took to Twitter to express his surprise and happiness at the vote.
"Hearing reports EU just voted 285-281, overcoming huge pressure, to cancel all charges against me and prevent extradition. Game-changer,"
he said,
later adding: "This is not a blow against the US Government, but an open hand extended by friends. It is a chance to move forward."
