Brussels, 23/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament fears further delays and additional costs brought about by the modernisation of the second-generation Schengen Information System (SIS II), the future European database which stores biometric information on missing persons and stolen goods. In a resolution tabled by the EPP, S&D, ALDE and ECR groups and adopted on Thursday 22 October, by 507 votes in favour, 88 against 19 abstentions, the MEPs note that "new problems and delays" with the new system cast doubt on the viability of the project. They are therefore calling on the Commission, which manages the contract for the implementation of the SIS II, to clarify the additional costs brought about by the delays. During the debate which was held on Monday, Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs Jacques Barrot indicated a cost overrun of one million euros for the first of the two planks of the system, and announced that the Commission had charged penalties to the contractor. The MEPs also wish to prevent the same scenario repeating itself for the Visa Information System (VIS), which is to be based on the same technical platform as the SIS II. As regards the VIS, Mr Barrot stated that the contractor had failed to satisfy the required criteria and that a number of member states were having problems adapting their national systems. (B.C./transl.fl)