EU Introduces New Measures to Strengthen Border Security

The European Council has approved two new regulations designed to enhance the security of the EU’s external borders and bolster efforts to combat terrorism and serious crime.

These regulations establish a framework for the collection and transfer of advance passenger information (API), enabling authorities to conduct pre-border checks to identify potential security risks.

Passenger data collection and transfer

The new API regulation requires airlines to transmit key passenger data—including travel documents, flight details, and baggage information—prior to a passenger’s arrival at the EU’s external borders. This proactive measure allows authorities to perform checks, assess risks, and take necessary actions before passengers reach the EU, facilitating smoother and more efficient border control.

To streamline the process, a centralized system will be implemented for data transmission, ensuring accurate and timely sharing of information. Airlines will be required to use automated systems to send API data, with a transitional period for manual data collection if necessary.

Addressing the growing role of air travel in security

In 2019, more than half a billion air passengers entered or left the EU, underscoring the importance of air travel in the fight against cross-border crime and terrorism. With criminals and terrorists increasingly exploiting air travel, the timely collection and processing of passenger data is critical to ensuring security.

These new regulations close gaps in existing laws by establishing uniform practices for the collection and processing of both API and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to improving border security.