Biometrics and security in EU border control

Abstract

The accelerated pace of globalization, along with the dynamic nature of contemporary security threats, have brought the discussion of borders to the fore of the European agenda. Additionally, the eastern and southern enlargement of the European Union (from 2004 onwards), together with the possibility of further enlargement have intensified the debate on the need to securitize the external borders as the Union changes its neighbours with less stable regions. The creation of the Schengen Area has directed its signatories towards increased cross border cooperation in diverse fields. In the process, the Schengen Convention enhanced security by adopting new instruments, such as the Schengen Information System and other practices. This served as a balancing act between security and the enjoyment of the freedom of movement, not only for its citizens. The abolition of internal borders within the Schengen Zone was backed by the strengthening of the external borders, which occurred mainly through the harmonization of procedures, funds for upgrading border crossing points and increased cooperation of the members. In response to the current security environment, the European approach was to initiate an integrated border management strategy. The creation of FRONTEX, a supranational agency in charge of the coordination of resources at the external borders, has been regarded as the initial phase towards a collective effort to address the common concerns at the frontiers of the EU. However, being still in its infancy and being granted ever expanding powers, the agency is still in a fine-tuning process and certain deficiencies must be attended to. Alternatively addressing border security, the European Union has promoted the stability and growth of its neighbouring countries through a number of financial packages and association agreements. With regards to security, biometric identification has been widely discussed on the EU level. Whilst there are mixed feelings on the innovative technology, the EU recognizes the needed urgency to implement an infrastructure based on biometrics to further secure and smoothen procedures at the borders. The EU also perceives the potential of the European biometric industry. In fact, in its incessant strive to enhance security, the EU has joined forces with various international private actors through research, training and development. In doing so, the EU is healing the division between the private and public sector in providing security. This dissertation shall be an in-depth report based on the challenges that Europe has to attend to, the provisions that have improved security and the deficiencies encountered in transition.