The system collects and compares biometric data – fingerprints and facial images. It also collects alphanumeric data (e.g. passport number) and information relating to travel documents. To ensure more effective identification and security, data is collected from children aged 6 and over (in the previous version of the system, the age limit was 14).

This solution streamlines the exchange of information on migrants within the European Union, the comparison of biometric data, and the identification of individuals attempting to cross its borders illegally. The launch of the system will lead to better cooperation between agencies, more effective measures to combat illegal migration and a further strengthening of border protection,

- said Tomasz Szymański, Deputy Minister of Interior and Administration.

Tightening up asylum procedures

The state-of-the-art Eurodac system will help to tighten up asylum procedures by improving the detection of cases where asylum applications are submitted multiple times in different EU countries. In practice, the Eurodac system will enable Border Guard officers to quickly determine whether a detained foreign national has previously applied for international protection in another EU Member State or has already been registered following an irregular crossing of the Union’s external border. This will enable officials to identify the country responsible for further procedures more efficiently and to take administrative decisions more quickly.

At the same time, Eurodac will make it possible to track migration flows and the movement of people within the EU – including those who have not applied for asylum. These functions will contribute significantly to the fight against illegal migration, cross-border crime, and terrorism. Designated law enforcement authorities will be granted access to Eurodac data for the purpose of maintaining public order.

The Police will be able to identify perpetrators, suspects, or victims more quickly

Access to the information stored in the Eurodac system will make it easier for the Police to identify perpetrators, suspects, or victims of crime, and will strengthen law enforcement agencies’ ability to counter threats to internal security.  The system will also make it possible to identify individuals who may pose a threat to public security or who are linked to terrorist activities or other forms of serious crime.

The EES and the EU’s Large-Scale IT Systems: a key element of border protection

Recent migration crises have shown that the previous version of the Eurodac system was inadequate.

Eurodac is another of the European Union’s Large-Scale IT systems to have been implemented.

On 12 October this year, we began rolling out the Entry/Exit System (EES). It is used by services at the border to digitally record the biometric data of non-EU nationals entering and leaving the Schengen Area. Thanks to the EES, the Border Guard has prevented 11,000 non-EU nationals from entering Poland. The system for the digital registration of third-country nationals travelling to the Schengen Area is operational at all 71 road, rail, air, and sea border crossing points in Poland.

Its introduction enables the accurate identification of third-country nationals, significantly reducing the risk of forgery or identity theft. Thanks to the professionalism and technical expertise of Border Guard officers, our country is one of the EU’s leaders in terms of the quality of the biometric data it records.