Story perspectives

EU Faces US Push for Police Biometric Access, Rights Flagged

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

EU faces U.S. pressure to grant access to police biometric data under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Enhanced Border Security Partnership, due Dec 31 2026, would let U.S. authorities search European police databases.
Dutch MEP Raquel Garcia Hermida-van der Walle called the condition blackmail and warned it threatens citizens’ fundamental rights.
The European Data Protection Supervisor demanded a rights impact assessment, saying the deal could expose suspects and asylum-seekers to U.S. screening.

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Story summary

EU faces U.S. pressure to grant access to police biometric data under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Enhanced Border Security Partnership, due Dec 31 2026, would let U.S. authorities search European police databases.
Dutch MEP Raquel Garcia Hermida-van der Walle called the condition blackmail and warned it threatens citizens’ fundamental rights.
The European Data Protection Supervisor demanded a rights impact assessment, saying the deal could expose suspects and asylum-seekers to U.S. screening.