VZCZCXRO4950
RR RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV
DE RUEHBS #1127/01 2061056
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 241056Z JUL 08
FM USEU BRUSSELS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC
INFO RUCNMEU/EU INTEREST COLLECTIVE
RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
RHMFIUU/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC

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has been replaced by French Commissioner Jacques Barrot, many 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 
.