EU unveils e-border scheme amid ‘Big Brother’ warnings

The EU is trying to move towards a more modern and efficient border management by using state-of-the-art technology. On the 28 February 2013 the European Commission proposed a 'smart border package' to speed-up, facilitate and reinforce border check procedures for foreigners travelling to the EU.

The package consisted of a Registered Traveller Programme (RTP) and an Entry/Exit System (EES) that would simplify life for frequent third country travellers at the Schengen external borders and enhance EU border security.

• Primary Source

European Commission: RAPID: Press Release, IP/13/162: 'Smart borders': enhancing mobility and security http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-162_en.pdf

European Commission: DG Home Affairs: Policies: Schengen, Borders & Visas http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/index_en.htm

European Commission: DG Home Affairs: News, 28.02.13: 'Smart Borders': enhancing mobility and security http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-is-new/news/news/2013/20130228_01_en.htm

EUObserver, 28.02.13: EU proposes tighter border control bill http://euobserver.com/justice/119247

European Commission: DG Home Affairs: Policies: Schengen, Borders & Visas: EU Agency for large-scale IT systems http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/agency/index_en.htm

Heinrich Böll Foundation: Borderline: The EU's New Border Surveillance Initiatives: Assessing the Costs and Fundamental Rights Implications of EUROSUR and the 'Smart Borders' Proposals, June 2012 http://www.statewatch.org/news/2012/jun/borderline.pdf

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