Answer given by Mr Avramopoulos on behalf of the Commission

28.2.2015

The proposed Smart Borders Package was tabled in February 2013. In February 2014, in agreement with both co-legislators, a proof of concept exercise was launched, consisting of a technical study to be followed by a testing phase of the most promising options.

As stated by the Commissioner Avramopoulos, during the meeting in the LIBE Committee on 3 December 2014, it is expected that the existing Smart Border proposals will be withdrawn at the same time as new proposals are tabled, taking account of the outcome of the testing phase. This is likely to be in late 2015 or early 2016.

In parallel to the testing phase, discussions are continuing with the co-legislators on the findings of the study that are not subject to the future tests, and on other policy aspects of the proposed Smart Borders Package.