Brussels, 17/12/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission had still not, on Wednesday 17 December, spelled out the fate of the smart borders package, which includes a simpler EU entry/exit system for genuine travellers.
On 3 December, Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos announced to MEPs on the Parliament's civil liberties committee that the proposals were being withdrawn. The package does not, however, feature on the “hit list” announced by Frans Timmermans on Wednesday 17 December, “meaning that the package has not been withdrawn”, commented a spokesperson. Avramopoulos announced on 3 December that new proposals would be brought forward at the end of 2015 or start of 2016 using the lessons learned from the pilot programme that is taking place at the moment. (SP)