[JURIST] The EU on Wednesday approved new rules [news release] requiring telecommunications companies to retain records of phone and e-mail communications for up to a year to aid in anti-terror efforts [EU anti-terror backgrounder] in Europe. EU justice ministers approved the requirement over privacy and cost concerns after several years of debate on the issue. The rules oblige phone companies to maintain call records for a year, while internet service providers must maintain website and e-mail information for six months. The regulation will not affect countries that already have more extensive retention requirements, including Italy and Ireland. The telecommunications industry has warned that retaining data over extended periods will cost millions. Several European governments, including the UK, had earlier argued for a three-year retention period, but that proposal was put on hold [JURIST report] last month after its rejection by the European Parliament. AP has more.