07/2012. The research paper “Borderline” examines two new EU border surveillance initiatives: the creation of a European External Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR) and the creation of the so-called “smart borders package”, which includes the establishment of an Entry-Exit System (EES); and the creation of a Registered Traveller Programme (RTP).
EUROSUR promises increased surveillance of the EU’s sea and land borders using a vast array of new technologies, including drones (unmanned aerial vehicles), off-shore sensors, and satellite tracking systems.
The EES would record the movement of people into and out of the Schengen area and extend biometric ID checks to all non-EU nationals (including those not currently subject to EU visa requirements) with the aim of helping border guards identify “overstayers”, i.e. individuals that have overstayed their legal permission to stay.
