The Security System Framework of the Schengen Zone

Posted date: 15 Oct 2020

The mechanisms by which the Schengen Zone safeguards the safety of its citizens and detects fraud in relation to travel documents issued by persons barred from entering the region are the following:

•          Visa Information System (VIS)-This support system for the protection of the Schengen Region acts as an instrument for the exchange of data between Member States for short-stay visa applications.
•          Schengen Information System (SIS)-Another support system for the protection of the Schengen Area acts as a mechanism for sharing data between Member States on alleged criminals, persons who may not be entitled to enter and reside in the Schengen Area, missing, misappropriated or lost properties, as well as missing people.
•          EURODAC (European Dactyloscopy) is another support system for the protection of the region and the European Union. EURODAC is a fingerprint database used to compare fingerprint databases to identify asylum seekers and illegal border-crossers.

System for Visa Information (VIS)

The key role of the VIS is to exchange visa details between Member States, as well as to attach data to the external borders of the Schengen Region from embassies and consulates of non-EU countries and countries. Through biometric matching, mostly fingerprints, of Schengen short-stay and airport transit visa applicants, VIS generates analyzed and processed data, particularly about the identity and intention of travel.

Schengen Information System (SIS)

The Schengen Information System (SIS) serves as the basis for cooperation in the field of law enforcement and security of the area's external borders by providing police, migration, justice and other authorities with warning information concerning missing persons, criminal organizations associated with crimes and prohibited persons from entering and remaining in the Schengen Area. Each user has the right to access his / her personal data inside the SIS and to request that incorrect data be removed or corrected. Such access may be needed on the basis of the information contained in this European Data Protection Supervisor Guideline. As an EU resident, one has the ability to request access to the appropriate warning issuing authority or to the data protection authority.

European Dactyloscopy (EURODAC)            

The task of European Dactyloscopy, or EURODAC, is to track the process of asylum applications and cross-border applications within the EU zone through the use and comparison of fingerprint datasets aimed at promoting legal travel, the fight against serious crime and terrorism, as well as the irregular crossing of borders between Schengen and the EU. The applicant's fingerprints are immediately communicated via EURODAC each time he / she apply for asylum in the EU.

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GSP Admin