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Schengen Overview

i2c Analysis Group | Identity Analysis and Comparison Division | CHECKPOINT

January 2012

CL BY: 2313665

CL REASON: 1.4(c)

DECL ON: 20370103

DRV FROM: Multiple Sources

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Executive Summary

The European Union’s Schengen biometric-based border-management systems pose a minimal

identity threat to US operational travelers because their primary focus is illegal immigration and

criminal activities, not counterintelligence, and US travelers typically do not fit the target profiles.

US-documented operational travelers are not required to provide biometric data when crossing

the Schengen area’s external borders. (S//NF)

The European Union’s creation of the Schengen area led to increased freedom of movement within the

internal borders of its member states. Concurrently, the European Union has strengthened its external

border security to prevent illegal immigrants and criminals from entering the Schengen area, where they

would have freedom to travel unchecked from state to state. With the EU's assistance, Schengen

member states have strengthened their external borders with specialized training; high-tech surveillance,

inspection, and communications equipment; and vehicles and aircraft. The member states use computer- based watchlist systems at the external borders that are connected to common databases. The

European Union has developed a number of database systems to promote information sharing while at

the same time balancing privacy and security concerns. The European Union has an ongoing process to

incorporate biometrics into these various systems to augment its law enforcement measures and to

enhance immigration control by improving the identification and verification of travelers entering the

Schengen area. (U)

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Scope Note

This product has been prepared by CIA’s CHECKPOINT Identity and Travel Intelligence Program.

Located in the Identity Intelligence Center (i2c) within the Directorate of Science and Technology,

CHECKPOINT serves the Intelligence Community by providing tailored identity and travel intelligence

products. CHECKPOINT collects, analyzes, and disseminates information to help US intelligence

personnel protect their identities and operational activities while abroad. (C//NF)

This product is an all-source intelligence product written at the SECRET//ORCON/NOFORN

level. (C//NF)

Comments about this product are welcome and may be addressed to Chief, CHECKPOINT at 933-4651

(S) or 571-280-2530 (STE). (C//NF)

Displaying CIA_Advice_for_Operatives_Infiltrating_Schengen.pdf.