On April 9th, 2024, the ODYSSEUS project was presented at the STS-MigTec Annual Workshop, hosted by Utrecht University in the Netherlands. In the event, themed “Data Matters in Migration and Border Control,” 80 individuals representing 25 countries attended, both physically and virtually.

The STS-MigTec Network is a platform that combines science and technology studies with migration and border control issues. It manages publication projects, hosts meetings, and promotes international scientific collaboration to address contemporary issues with migration and border security.

The UIC Security Division presented a work-in-progress paper titled “Railway security checks at the border: between intrusive security technologies and fundamental traveller rights” during a panel discussion on the legal issues surrounding the datafication of EU migration, asylum, and border control.

The paper written by Kacper Kubrak and Grigore Havarneanu, examines the delicate balance between security measures and the freedom of movement at European railway borders. It draws on UIC’s experiences during migration and refugee crises and discusses the UIC Security Division’s contribution to ODYSSEUS project.

The project aims to improve the border crossing experience for travellers while ensuring the security and monitoring of movements across EU external land and water borders. The discussion gave emphasis to the necessity of balancing passenger security with the protection of fundamental rights, especially as technological advancements and globalisation continuously evolve. Participants provided insightful criticism that helped to further enhance the work.

UIC Security Division is involved in the ODYSSEUS project as a passenger train pilot coordinator. During this pilot, a railway border crossing will be used to evaluate the project’s technology in a real setting. Preparations for the rail pilot, which is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, are expected to begin the summer of 2024.

This will be an important step forward in border crossing procedures and passenger security in the European Union.

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