New EU-wide security measures imminent

The EU looks set to introduce a series of measures across the 25 member states in an attempt to address concerns following the security alert in London last month.

A Green Paper launched this week suggests the introduction of minimum requirements for detection and surveillance while air security experts meeting today (7 September) and yesterday are expected to draw up a list of recommendations to tighten security at airports and on board aircraft.

These recommendations could see a limit on the amount of liquids brought on board and increased spot-checks carried out on individuals and their hand luggage.

The US’s top transport security official met the national experts yesterday to co-ordinate new security measures with the EU. Kip Hawley, director of transportation administration at the US department of Homeland Security, would not confirm if the US was to make demands on the EU for a certain level of security. "This is more of an exchange of views and information, of the US trying to convince the EU of one thing or another or vice versa. I think we are in complete agreement upon the need for a secure aviation system so passengers can feel safe and comfortable within the EU and US. The question is how best can we accomplish that?" he said.

Hawley said he took on board the civil rights concerns when more security measures were being considered. "The challenge of a security regime is to protect the very values that are at stake here and that’s as much a part of security as taking away weapons that people try to bring through the check-point."

EU detection and surveillance requirements could involve new technology that would better detect explosives in luggage or on individuals, scan potentially armed and dangerous individuals or screen airline passengers coming into the EU with deadly viruses. There are also plans to examine the possibility of blocking internet websites for information on bomb-making.

The Green Paper is seeking an input from the public and private sector by January on security needs of airports, ports and sports stadiums, while ensuring that new products are affordable.

"When measures are being proposed they have to be proportionate, affordable and sustainable…nobody is helped if products are being introduced which no one can afford," said one Commission official.

While some civil liberties groups fear the introduction of more surveillance equipment into public places, others believe the EU standards might be too low to have an effect. "We need minimum standards everywhere but will they be real or will they be watered down to a common denominator that has no effect?" said Peter Zimmerman, professor of science and security in the department of war studies at King’s College London.

The EU looks set to introduce a series of measures across the 25 member states in an attempt to address concerns following the security alert in London last month.