Airline passengers throughout Europe face tougher security measures as part of a seven point anti-terrorism package. The EU is looking to introduce resources and methods for airlines to provide advance information about the passenger by creating a ‘profiling-system’ on those worthy of scrutiny. Critics argue that such measures will only accelerate the drive to building a surveillance infrastructure unparalleled in the free world. 

The six-point package unveiled by interior ministers in London marked a new phase of development in the EU's counter-terror plans. It demonstrated that detailed work had been going on behind the scenes on the strategy that was proposed by Britain in the wake of last year's London bombings, when the UK held the EU presidency. Critics claimed the measures accelerated the drive to building a surveillance infrastructure unparalleled in the free world.

EU ministers want airlines to provide advance passenger lists for all flights inside Europe as well as in and out of Europe, including domestic routes. These will be checked against the "biometric identifier" - electronic eye scan or fingerprint - in the passenger's passport or identity card when they check in.

The new system would enable them to check names against watch lists for terror suspects and wanted criminals and to develop a "profiling system" of those worthy of further scrutiny. The EU commissioner, Franco Frattini, said yesterday that such profiling would not be based on religion or ethnic group but acknowledged there was a debate within Europe over the use of such methods. The deadline for an EU directive on the exchange and analysis of airline passenger name records is next year. Work will start as soon as agreement is reached between the EU and the US in October.

 The provision of advance passenger data is already a requirement for airlines flying to the United States, Canada and Australia but has so far only been trialled in Britain on a small scale. Eventually, airlines would be expected to provide personal online details of all passengers as they book seats and subsequently at the check-in desk or terminal.

The plan to create a fast-track service through airports for regular travellers and those who have been verified through security clearance in advance has proven controversial. The ‘biometric identifier’ is meant to eliminate any race or ethnic differences, but the profile produced before will hold such personal detail and surely stem from prejudices or stereotypes people already have against certain religions or ethnicities.

Further to the new proposed plans of security checks in airports across Europe,John Reid, the home secretary is looking to form a new legal framework by June next year to impose restrictions on illegal materials such as home made explosions from the world wide web. Websites that incite others to commit terrorist actions will be blocked.

Related to this, plans to tackle ‘radicalisation’ will involve developing the idea of ‘European Islam’, offering training to Imam’s on a 'European level’ in attempt to reduce reliance of Muslim communities on foreign Imam’s. The aim is for Europe on a wider scale to engage with ‘moderate’ and ‘democratic Islamic organisations’.

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