The US wants direct, automated access to EU countries' fingerprint and face databases as the price of keeping visa-free travel, and a leaked draft that analysts say concedes more than the EU's own mandate allowed.

It is called the Enhanced Border Security Partnership, deadline December 31, 2026. What the leaked text does:

  • Wires national biometric systems into the US IDENT/HART database, both ways, automated.
  • Analysts say it goes past the Council mandate, which barred sharing from EU databases.
  • Screens on a vague "public security" test, and in Article 7.2 leaves out political opinion.
  • Does not clearly exclude EU citizens; Germany alone could be asked to open 5.5 million faces.

The EDPS and EDPB have warned. Any deal needs Parliament and Council sign-off. Read the text before someone signs it for you.