Biometric passports take one step closer

The European Commission adopted on June 28 the second part of the technical specifications required for the introduction of biometric identifiers (fingerprints) into the passport and other travel documents issued by Member States.

This follows Council Regulation (EC) 2252/2004 on the introduction of common security standards.

Vice-President Franco Frattini, Commissioner responsible for freedom, security and justice, said: “This is a key step forward to render passports of EU citizens more secure and reliable.

“I am particularly proud that the EU is among the first in the world issuing passports requirements with a high level of protection against unauthorised access by providing ‘Extended Access Control’, whilst at the same time complying with the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in order to ensure interoperability.”