Visitors to the EU could face digital fingerprinting at airports under plans to beef up border security, EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini has said.
He said EU Security Measure to Collect Foreigners' Fingerprints ...
ICE - special ...
US Delays Planned Withdrawal of Troops from Germany ... travellers from outside the EU could face a biometric test as part of their visa while those not needing a permit would be checked on arrival.
There are also plans to improve border surveillance and land and sea patrols.
Rights group Privacy International said the move could create a "fortress Europe" for foreigners.
The proposals for a radical shake-up of the EU's border security were unveiled by Mr Frattini in Brussels.
The commissioner said the 27-member bloc had to use "the most advanced technology to reach the highest level of security" to stop visitors overstaying their welcome in Europe and to prevent terrorists from coming in.
The plans would also allow for a Registered Traveller Programme to enable EU citizens to pass through customs with only random checks.
That could be extended to include non-EU citizens on multiple visas.
Mr Frattini said he hoped the reforms - if approved by all the EU member states - would be introduced between 2010-2015.
(BBC)
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