Coelho (PPE-DE), in writing. (PT) The security of our citizens is of paramount importance to every one of us.

We are aware of how important and necessary it is to tighten controls at external borders, as a further consequence of free movement and the scrapping of internal border controls.

We are living in times in which transnational organised crime, illegal immigration and, particularly, terrorism, stand at the top of the political agenda and at the forefront of the public’s political concerns. These problems threaten our democracies, and must be combated by strengthening European democracy and its instruments.

What is required is the swift and effective sharing of information in the fields of border controls and police cooperation.

Consequently, the development of the Second Generation of SIS (SIS II) and of a Visa Information System (VIS) and the introduction of biometric data all take on vital importance.

We must undertake such action within a framework of clear rules that ensure that the system is effective, efficient and in strict compliance with Community rules on protecting personal data.

This proposal to establish the VIS and to enable the system to be funded outside the Community budget and …

(Explanation of vote abbreviated in accordance with Rule 137(1) of the Rules of Procedure)