European Commission

Speaker Biograghy: Richard joined the Visa Information and Schengen Information Systems teams at DG Home in 2005. He became responsible for the Biometric Matching System (BMS), which was to become the common EU AFIS. The BMS is currently providing fingerprint identification and verification services to the VIS, and might do that in the future for EURODAC, the Schengen Information System II (SIS II) and other future systems. He is now dealing with the Smart Borders initiative, combining a European Entry/Exit System, a European Registered Traveller Programme, and an amended Schengen Borders Code. Richard also deals with biometrics in SISII and eMRTD authentications and general biometric coordination and consultancy in the area of justice, security and freedom. He has an academic background in electronics, informatics and artificial intelligence.


Day 2 - 11 March
Session: Aviation Security, Border Control & Facilitation

14:30 - 15:00 - The EU's Smart Borders initiative
Synopsis: In order to guarantee a safe and welcoming Schengen area, the external borders need to be well managed. This burden is shared by all member countries. In the past the European Commission has been trusted with the implementation of various systems and legal frameworks to enable better management of migration. Many of these systems, such as EURODAC, the Visa Information System and the Schengen Information System II, use biometric identifiers to permit identity management. The latest addition is the SmartBorders programme, consisting of an Entry-Exit System and a Registered Traveller Programme.

Audience will learn:
Day 2 - 11 March
Session: Aviation Security, Border Control & Facilitation

16:50 - 17:20 - Panel Discussion: Is the road to ABC programs paved with good intentions?