Strengthening Security Through EU-funded Research & Innovation: Advancing Border and Forensic Capabilities Joint Report, August 2025
Abstract
This document presents key insights from four EU-funded projects—FLEXI-cross, TENSOR, ODYSSEUS,
and TENACITy—working on border management, travel security, and law enforcement intelligence support.
It highlights common challenges, lessons learned, and gaps identified across technical and operational
implementations.
This joint report serves as a roadmap for policymakers, security practitioners, industry stakeholders, and
technology experts, fostering a more secure and intelligent approach to border management and law
enforcement.
Authors:
FLEXI-Cross Authors
Giuseppe Vella – Engineering Ingegneria Informatica S.p.A. (ENG)
Marco Paleari – Engineering Ingegneria Informatica S.p.A. (ENG)
Maria Giuseppa Guella – Engineering Ingegneria Informatica S.p.A. (ENG)
Chrostos Bolakis – Kentro Meleton Asfaleias (KEMEA)
Thomas Azrak – Ebos Technologies Limited– (EBOS)
TENSOR Authors
Eleni Veroni – Netcompany S.A.
Spyridon Evangelatos – Netcompany S.A.
Apostolos Apostolaras – Centre for Research and Technology, Hellas (CERTH)
Katerina Kyriakou – Centre for Research and Technology, Hellas (CERTH)
Thanasis Korakis – Centre for Research and Technology, Hellas (CERTH)
Patrik Gonçalves – Central Office for Information Technology in the Security Sector (ZITiS)
Tabea Rosenkranz – Central Office for Information Technology in the Security Sector (ZITiS)
Claudia Mertinger – Fsas Technologies GmbH
ODYSSEUS Authors
Monica Florea – Software Imagination & Vision Romania (SIM)
Dana Oniga– Software Imagination & Vision Romania (SIM)
Diana Antonescu – Software Imagination & Vision Romania (SIM)
Dimitris Kassimis – TELESTO TECHNOLOGIES PLIROFORIKIS KAI EPIKOINONION EPE (TEL)
Martin David – THALES DIS CZECH REPUBLIC SRO (THALES)
Harry Kellett – RAPISCAN SYSTEMS LIMITED (RAPI)
TENACITy Authors
Chrysostomos Antoniou – European Dynamics Luxembourg SA (ED)
Christiana Aposkiti – Kentro Meleton Asfaleias (KEMEA)
Mirela Rosgova – Kentro Meleton Asfaleias (KEMEA)
Deborah Manzi – Universita Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore (UCSC-TC)
Celia Calus – Nutcracker Research Malta Ltd (NMT)
Rodoula Makri – Institute Of Communication & Computer Systems (ICCS)
Credits
Design by Netcompany S.A.
TENSOR: Policy recommendations on biometric data use and sharing in EU law enforcement
Executive Summary
The growing use of biometric technologies by European law enforcement agencies has changed how investigations unfold and how data moves across borders. These tools can make police work faster and more precise, but they also raise ethical and legal questions.
This paper examines these gaps through the experience of the TENSOR project, which develops tools to extract biometric evidence and enable secure cross-border data exchange. The paper draws from pilot activities, questionnaires, and interviews with law enforcement authorities, the paper identifies both progress and persistent challenges. It shows that technology alone cannot ensure justice without stronger legal clarity, operational consistency, and ethical safeguards.
From this effort two conclusions emerge. First, Member States need to align national laws and infrastructures to achieve real interoperability. Second, technological development must remain grounded in the principles of legality, accountability, and respect for fundamental rights. A harmonious European approach can ensure that innovation strengthens public safety without eroding public trust.
To support this balance, five policy actions are proposed.
- An EU certification scheme for biometric systems would guarantee that technologies meet minimum standards for accuracy, security, and fairness.
- Standardized frameworks for data sharing would give LEAs common templates and infrastructures that reduce fragmentation and speed up cooperation.
- Mandatory training on AI ethics and fundamental rights would help officers understand the risks and responsibilities that come with digital tools.
- Inclusion of safeguards for human oversight in national legislation and procedures.
- Finally, a Biometric Use Forum would create space for dialogue among law enforcement, regulators, and civil society to anticipate risks and share good practices.
These measures reinforce the EU’s robust legal framework by turning its principles into concrete action. Certification, standardisation, training, oversight, and open dialogue create the conditions for ethical and interoperable use of biometric systems. In doing so, they help align national practices with Europe’s broader vision of secure, lawful, and rights-respecting innovation.
Author:
A white paper of TENSOR EU funded project
Credits
Design by Eticas.ai
