Brussels, 11/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 10 July, the European Parliament adopted a resolution recommending greater security in the collection of biometric data (photos and ten fingerprints) from applicants for Schengen visas. The resolution, prepared by Sarah Ludford of the UK, concerns a draft regulation (codecision) amending common consular instructions in liaison with the introduction of biometric elements. By voting in favour of this resolution, by 445 votes to 64 and 41 abstentions, MEPs clearly indicated to the EU Council that it should radically change its stance on a number of points, and in particular on its wish to take digital fingerprints of children from the age of six. “No decision to require fingerprints from 6 year-olds should be made without taking into account doubts over reliability due to rapid change in young children's prints, and the significant costs and inconvenience for their parents if the solution is to impose collection every 2 years instead of 5”, Ms Ludford states in a press release. MEPs take the view that it is preferable to start with 12 year olds for fingerprinting and re-examination of age limits after a 3-year study. Other controversial points prevented an agreement being reached at first reading. Generally speaking, MEPs were anxious to ensure the strict protection of data and therefore included several amendments to ensure protection. Concerns related more specifically to the possibility for member states to externalise the collection of data using private contracted firms. On this point, MEPs call for closer supervision by consular services. The draft regulation provides for digital fingerprints and photos of applicants to be stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and allows member states to create, if they so wish, “common application centres” for the common processing of visa applications. (B.C./transl.jl)