THE EUROPEAN UNION'S BORDER CONTROL INITIATIVES

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BRUSSELS 001127 CA FOR CAIP DHS FOR OIA SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CVIS EU PTEL SUBJECT: THE EUROPEAN UNION'S BORDER CONTROL INITIATIVES ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: As the border of the European Union continues to expand, concern about illegal immigration continues to increase, and the threat of terrorism remains, the EU is considering a number of measures to manage and reinforce their border and its security. Most measures being considered are contained in DG JLS Commissioner Franco Frattini's Border Package. Some measures are likely to be implmented while others may be less likely given Frattini's May 2008 departure. END SUMMARY ¶2. (U) European expansion has been ongoing since its creation, with countries joining the EU on a semi-regular basis since the first major accession in 1973. The largest of these expansions was in May 2004 when 10 Eastern European countries aceded to the Union. Two more, Romania and Bulgaria, went on to join in January 2007. This level of growth has resulted in a considerably larger border area, often in regions that had not maintained the same border control standards prescribed by the EU. ¶3. (U) As EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security, Franco Frattini put forth a number of proposals designed to increase security at Europe's new borders. These proposals were articulated in the February 13, 2008 Commission Communication on new tools for an integrated European Border Management Strategy. While Frattini has since departed and has been replaced by French Commissioner Jacques Barrot, many of the package's reforms are still under active consideration. Some of the major tenets of the Frattini package include: -- Comprehensive electronic register of travelers' biometric data -- Requirements of biometric tests to obtain a visa -- Implementation of Eurosur, a surveillance system that you use state of the art technology, including high-resolution satellites and unmanned aircraft, to monitor remote areas for movements of migrants -- Expanded operations involving Frontex -- A registered Traveler Program for EU citizens These reforms are expected to be introduced between 2010 and ¶2015. Biometric Initiatives ¶4. (U) In the same February 13 communication, the Commission articulates the use of biometrics in border control. This is most evident in the use of biometric passports. These passports now only use facial recognition technology, but beginning in 2009 fingerprint information will also be 
included in issued passports. ¶5. (U) Portugal has implemented the RAPID System, which is the first automated border crossing system and utilizes facial recognition technology. It is a national system, currently only available for EU nationals at Portuguese airports, but there are discussions of expanding the program beyond Portugal. The program does not require pre-enrollment and has high levels of interoperability, thus making it an attractive option for EU-wide implementation. ¶6. (U) The February 13th communication also anticipates the implementation of an entry/exit system that records the fingerprints of traveling third country nationals. Another biometric initiative that may be used to address this entry/exit system requirement is the BIO DEV II pilot project. BIO DEV II is a short term biometric pilot program being implemented by eight member states. These participating countries are Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and the UK. The primary objectives of the BIO DEV II pilot project are: -- To acquire experience in capturing and controlling biometric data with particular attention to the organization of diplomatic and border posts. -- To ensure the interoperability of software and hardware. -- To ensure the quality of international standards imposed by the implementation of the EU's Visa Information System (VIS). -- To reinforce consular cooperation between the partner countries through the sharing of means (such as premises, staff and equipment) at consular posts to capture biometric data. BIO DEV II began in early 2007 and will end in July 2008. However, almost all BIO DEV II countries have decided to continue their programs after the end of the official pilot period. Eurosur BRUSSELS 00001127 002 OF 002 ¶6. (U) Eurosur, a proposed European border surveillance system, was outlined in the February 13 communication. Its main purpose is "preventing unauthorized border crossings, reducing the number of illegal immigrants losing their life at sea and increasing the internal security of the EU by contributing to the prevention of cross-border crime." Ideally, the system will connect all EU member states and provide them with the information needed to intercept people trying to enter Europe who are bypassing regular border checks. Frontex ¶7. (U) Created by EU Council Regulation No 2007/2004 on October 26, 2004, Frontex is the European agency for the management of the operational cooperation at the external borders of the member states of the European Union. Essentially, this means that Frontex is responsible for coordinating border control activities between EU Member States. More specifically, this requires that Frontex: -- Carry out risk analyses -- Coordinate operational cooperation -- Assist member states with border guard training -- Follow up on developments in border and surveillance technology research ¶8. (U) Frontex does not implement border control, but rather serves as a coordinator and facilitator for EU member states. The February 13 communication envisions a stronger role for Frontex, in particular through joint operations with member states at sea borders. Registered Traveler Programs ¶9. (U) Frattini's proposals also included a specific registered traveler program. The EU is currently exploring a number of options in this area. Future plans for the programs are nascent, but the intention to begin exploration and development of such a program was articulated in the February 13 communication. However, there are already instances of bilateral agreements. ¶10. (U) At a working group meeting, a Frontex representative cited a number of implementation concerns regarding Registered Traveler programs. Currently such programs are limited to EU nationals, and there are a number of necessary steps before such systems can be expanded to third country nationals, including a harmonization of requirements, harmonization of system and the centralization of background checks for third country nationals. ¶11. (SBU) COMMENT: Certain EU sources suggest that while the basic thrust of this border package will continue, the replacement of Frattini, a relatively law and order force in the commission, with Barrot, a liberal progressive wary of the notion of "Fortress Europe," may potentially augur a slowdown in its implementation.END COMMENT SILVERBERG .