EU Introduces New Changes to Advance Passenger Information to Tighten External Border Security

Through a statement the Commission has stressed that the EU continues its progress in strengthening its security architecture, as it has been mentioned in the Fifth Progress Report, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

The Commission has emphasized the fact that information on passengers has led to improve border controls, and also identify all those persons who pose security risks and reduce irregular migration.

“The new rules will improve the use of API data to perform checks on passengers prior to their arrival at the external borders. The new rules will also enhance the fight against serious crime and terrorism within the EU,” the statement of the Commission reads.

According to the Commission, the new rules would help to close a significant gap, in the current framework, while upholding European Union standards for data transmission and protection.

Among the new changes introduced by the Commission regarding API data are also included the following rules:

• Uniform rules on API data collection
• Compulsory API data collection for border management purposes as well as fighting irregular migration on all flights to the Schengen Zone countries
• Compulsory API data collection under law enforcement purposes
• Better quality API data
• Streamlined transmission of API data

The proposal made by the European Commission will now have to be examined by the European Parliament and the Council. Once adopted the new changes would be implemented in all EU countries.

“These proposals complete other EU systems and initiatives in the area of border management and security, and that is being rolled out in the course of 2023 (such as the Entry-Exit System and the European Travel Information Authorisation System),” the statement reads.

The new changes, related to the collection as well as transfer of API data are set to be fully applied by 2028.

According to the statement of the Commission, when the router is developed which is set to happen by 2026, air carriers, as well as public authorities, will have two years to adjust to the new rules before becoming compulsory.

The Commission has stressed that in addition to Advance Passenger Information data collected by air carriers, they also collect passenger name records (PNR). Authorities in EU countries are continuously attempting to strengthen the security within the EU countries.

In order to tighten security in the European countries it was previously that the electronic system European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will become effective on November 1, 2023, despite the announcement that such system would become effective on May 2023.

This means that from November 1, all passengers from 60 countries worldwide, including US citizens, as well as those from the UK, and Canada, will be required to hold an online travel authorization ahead of their trip to EU’s Schengen Zone countries. It has been reported that the application will cost €7 and will be valid for two years.