People entering or exiting the European Union will soon have their travel documents checked against several databases as part of stricter border controls agreed upon by EU ministers. 

The new regulation will oblige EU member states to carry out the systematic checks on all people entering or exiting the EU, regardless of whether or not they are EU nationals.

Commenting on the final agreement, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said that "systematic checks at the external borders will provide us with a means to address all potential risks to internal security, including those posed by foreign terrorist fighter returnees.”

Travel documents will be checked against several databases, including the Schengen Information System (SIS) and Interpol's database on Stolen and Lost Travel Documents.

In a statement, Malta's Permanent Representation to the EU noted that the Maltese Presidency had made strengthening security in the EU one of its six priorities. 

The new regulation will now be signed by the Maltese Presidency on behalf of the EU Council and the European Parliament. It will then be published in the EU Official Journal and will enter into force 20 days later.

 

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