New registration system to reinforce security for European citizens

The European Commission has proposed a new mandatory registration system for non-EU citizens wishing to travel to Europe. The ETIAS (EU Travel Information and Authorisation System) will largely be based on the American system ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and applies to travellers who are not subject to a visa requirement. “In that way, suspects can be intercepted more quickly. This is an important step in the fight against terrorism and international crime, and should strengthen our security. Not everyone is welcome in Europe”, says MEP Helga Stevens.

Annually, more than 30 million people from 60 different countries travel visa-free to Belgium and other Schengen countries. With this proposal, Europe would be able to carry out additional security checks on persons travelling from countries which are visa exempt. The travellers in question will have to fill in an electronic questionnaire, including their name, passport number and other personal information. “Based on this, the relevant security services can cross-check information against the existing EU databases to see whether this person is registered as suspicious”, Stevens explains. “Therefore, it is essential that this system is linked to a thorough exchange of information between the national intelligence services.” The implementation of the system is planned for 2020.

Strengthening external borders

Each application would cost five euros. “The EU should use this money to invest additionally in a strong security policy, including the strengthening of the external EU borders”, Stevens advises. “If we want to keep the internal EU borders open, we need to have stronger protection on the external EU borders.”