On 17 October 2018, eu-LISA and Frontex co-hosted the conference “EU Borders – Getting Smarter Through Technology”, in Tallinn, Estonia. The event was organised under the auspices of the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
EU border management authorities have faced increasing challenges in recent years. Crime continues to be more international than ever, placing pressure on border authorities to step up checks in order to detect illicit activities; terrorist attacks have taken place on the territory of the EU that have involved sometimes extensive cross-border travel during preparations; some of the most vulnerable in our society continue to fall victim to human trafficking. Such challenges present at the same time as the flux across borders increases due to trade, business, work and travel.
Technology is increasingly seen as the only viable means to deal with the increasing demands on border authorities. In the coming years, at least two new large-scale IT systems will be developed and implemented – the European Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Both systems seek to render border checks more comprehensive but at the same time more efficient. The systems will, inter alia, involve the use of biometric data to enable effective and rapid identity checks, the introduction of pre-travel authorisation processes to facilitate advance traveller processing and to remove some of the check burden from the first line border officer and the deployment of self-service technologies such as kiosks and Automated Border Control gates. eu-LISA is tasked with the development and implementation of both.
Undoubtedly, use of these systems implies significant change in border control processes. Efficiencies will only become apparent if the systems are appropriately utilised, technologies appropriately leveraged and border guards fully trained to deal with all eventualities. Engagement with the border guard community to enable their anticipation of future developments and their input during their development process will be key. Involvement of Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, will be necessary throughout.
Convening an audience drawn from both Agency’s communities and stakeholders, the event focused on new trends, technologies and challenges in external border management, both from strategic and operational points of view. Close to 200 attendees gathered and provided a stimulating and thought-provoking event at which all participants were able to share their thoughts and proposals and debate how to best use technology to address current and future EU border challenges.
