EU security measure to collect foreigners’ fingerprints

The European Commission agreed to a plan to collect fingerprints and photographs from foreigners entering the EU, part of an effort to fortify the bloc’s borders.

The move is part of a European effort to fortify the bloc’s borders to the outside world. Brussels said the steps are needed to guarantee the free movement of Europeans inside the Schengen no-borders area.

The plan, which was presented on Wednesday, Feb. 13, could see EU funds used to develop surveillance equipment like cameras, sensors and pilot-less drones. Civil libertarians argue that the controversial measures infringe on people’s privacy and won’t fight crime.

But proponents of the plan called the proposals “further building blocks in the often stated aim of the European Union to build a space of free and secure travel through collective responsibility and solidarity.”

The plan would help EU customs, police and justice authorities better manage the estimated 300 million external border crossings each year at Europe’s 1,792 designated frontier check points.

Moreover, EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini said, the measures would target the biggest category of illegal immigrants in Europe: people who over-stay their visas.

Read article: Deutsche Welle, 13 February 2008