Unmanned border surveillance using foliage penetration technologies

27.9.2019

Question for written answer E-003016-19
to the Commission
Rule 138
Özlem Demirel (GUE/NGL)

Under the Foldout project, the Commission is funding research into foliage penetration for border surveillance purposes. Border guards at the EU’s ‘green’ borders are to be assisted by penetration technology systems fitted to aircraft, drones and aerostats which will be combined to form an intelligent detection platform. According to the project specifications, irregular migration has increased to such an extent that it can no longer be dealt with by existing systems.

1. Does the Commission really share the Foldout project operators’ view that existing systems are not adequate?

2. What sensors and technologies are being tested under the Foldout project, and who are the manufacturers of those products?

3. When and where — please specify the date and border crossing — are the demonstrators in Bulgaria, Greece, Finland and French Guyana to be tested?