Press Release: Commission proposes inclusion of biometric identifiers in EU citizens’ passports

The European Commission adopted on 18 February 2004 a proposal for a Regulation harmonising security standards, including biometrics, for EU citizens' passports. In accordance with the conclusions of the Thessaloniki European Council, there is a need for a coherent approach on the introduction of biometric identifiers into visas, residence permits and passports. The proposals for visas and residence permits provide for two mandatory biometric identifiers: the facial image and fingerprints. Only the facial image has been chosen as a mandatory biometric identifier for passports. Fingerprints can be added as an option at the discretion of Member States. The proposal will now be considered by the Council and the European Parliament.

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