European entry permit
Superfluous data collection
The European Commission today presented its proposal for a new European entry permit. Under the proposals, travellers to the European Union who do not need a visa would have to apply for entry using the EU Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The system is intended to collect data, for example on education and occupation, and check travel data against existing databases.
Commenting on the announcement, Vice-President of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Jan Philipp Albrecht said:
"The European Commission is expanding the already considerable range of data gathering and profiling systems, yet the benefits of the new system are far from clear.
“ETIAS will apply only to visa-exempt countries but police and justice cooperation with those countries already works well. What is missing is the assessment and quick exchange of data about suspects and high risk individuals. The new system won´t solve this problem, but will be another instrument of surveillance of travellers, and lead to further disproportionate retention of data. There are already extensive options for checking travellers´ data, including the Schengen information system.”
"According even to the Commission's own estimates, the storage of air passenger data alone will cost €500 million. The planned Entry-Exit System proposed by the Commission would add another € 500 million on top of that. This money would be more effectively spent on equipping and facilitating cooperation between national police, investigation authorities and Europol."
