Brussels, 02/04/2003 (Agence Europe) - At the informal JHA Council of Veria, Commissioner Vitorino confirmed that the Commission would be proposing the introduction of biometric data for visas and residency permits for foreign nationals but insisted on the fact that this would not involve passports for European citizens. In a note distribute to Ministers, we learn that the USA is going to demand this for countries which do not need visas, for all new passports issued after 26 October 2004. The Commissioner also called for Ministers to prepare for the introduction date of the photo in the uniform visa model, the Fifteen intend to introduce in 2007. Benelux countries, Germany and France want to move forward together with this initiative, announced the Luxembourg Minister for Justice, Luc Frieden in Veria.
Commissioner Vitorino also invited Ministers to reflect on the technological implications and practices of these measures. The note distributed to them suggests the first elements on technical aspects. For example, it will examine the different options for storing biometric data: a "2D Barcode; a cellular type microchip on credit cards or a new generation microchip. The Commission prefers the third option, which stresses that it must be compatible with international civil aviation standards and "if possible" be inter-operable with the systems in the USA and Canada.