France Wants all Travelling EU Nationals Fingerprinted 4


Nikolaj Nielsen reports in the EU Observer that France is proposing that all travelling EU nationals should be required to give their fingerprints and possibly also have their faces scanned as part of the Smart Borders programme.

Smart Borders was proposed in 2013 by the EU Commission to allow management of the external borders of the Schengen Member States.  Biometric scanning of visiting non-EU nationals was also included in the scheme.  It has been on hold for a while due to cost concerns; however, an updated plan for the scheme is expected before the end of the year.

In a document submitted by the French delegation it is claimed that an expanded Smart Borders scheme is required to address terrorist threats and gives examples such as the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris and the recent attack on an Amsterdam to Paris train to justify their proposal.  Further justifications include dealing with migration and managing increasing passenger numbers.

France is of course one of the key powers within the EU and the concern must be that they will be able to force their plans through irrespective of the wishes or objections of the people of the EU, or of other member state Governments.


4 thoughts on “France Wants all Travelling EU Nationals Fingerprinted

  • cloudstarer

    Even if our Government doesn’t implement this draconian policy themselves they will still have access to the ever expanding French database.

    So I guess I’ll never be travelling to France again.

  • cloudstarer

    Even if our Government doesn’t implement this draconian policy themselves they will still have access to the ever expanding French database.

    So I guess I’ll never be travelling to France again.

  • An Interested Party

    Cloudstarer, I think you won’t be able to travel to the majority EU countries, as the French proposal relates to the whole Schengen area not just France.

    At least Theresa May will be happy with the thought that she will be able to track every UK citizen travelling through Europe.

  • An Interested Party

    Cloudstarer, I think you won’t be able to travel to the majority EU countries, as the French proposal relates to the whole Schengen area not just France.

    At least Theresa May will be happy with the thought that she will be able to track every UK citizen travelling through Europe.

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