Biometrics in Action

On 23 and 24 September 2025, the European Commission, under the Community for European Research and Innovation for Security (CERIS), alongside the European Association for Biometrics (EAB), co-organised the "Biometrics in Action for Border Management & Fight Against Crime and Terrorism" workshop. Held during the esteemed Darmstadt Biometrics Week in Germany, this event was accompanied by the EAB Research Project Conference (RPC) 2025, marking the largest European gathering focused on research and advancements in biometrics and identity management.

This interactive forum united EU-funded researchers and innovators, policymakers, and European practitioners, including national authorities' representatives and EU security users such as Europol, Frontex, and eu-LISA. It brought together experts to address challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies in the areas of border management and internal security, including AI-related threats. The format facilitated engaging demonstrations, scenario-based discussions, and collaborative roundtables, encouraging participants to explore the design of secure, user-friendly, and privacy-preserving biometric solutions.

The two-day event was opened by DG HOME's Innovation and Security Research Unit and the European Association for Biometrics. The first day focused on biometric systems in internal security, with the initial keynote highlighting the pivotal role of biometric technology in the EU's IT systems, ensuring internal security and facilitating seamless travel. It offered a stimulating framework for addressing ongoing research challenges.

During the first session, various innovative projects in biometrics and security were showcased. The EURMARS project investigates advanced maritime border security through the integration of satellites, UAVs, and AI-driven data fusion, delivering a tested platform and tools for risk assessment, improved situational awareness, and decision support. PopEye project centres on-the-move technologies for passenger verification at EU external borders, aiming to balance internal security with optimised cross-border mobility and improve law enforcement capabilities. Additionally, a prototype of CAST's contactless multi-fingerprint scanner was featured, demonstrating advancements in biometric identification technology.

During the second session, the AutoBorder project was presented, focusing on developing innovative solutions for vehicle border checks, enhancing passenger security through identity monitoring, real-time alerts for unauthorized access, and predictive analytics for threat detection. The Ceasefire project concentrated on AI detection systems for combating online firearms trafficking. The session concluded with project IMPULSE, which aims to redefine digital identity discourse by merging eID management evaluation with ethical co-creation.

The day culminated with a roundtable on identity verification in complex environments, reinforcing the event's theme of fostering innovation and research in the field of biometric security.

The second day began with a panel discussion on AI threats and digital identity manipulation, which initiated the third project session. Among the initiatives revealed was the CarMen project, designed to develop a scalable, fully automated biometric system to perform non-stop identification of travellers in various modes of transportation, such as in vehicles and on foot. Another project, POLIIICE, seeks to lead new advancements in lawful interception technologies with innovative, ethical, and privacy-compliant solutions at cloud, network, and device levels, empowering European law enforcement agencies to combat crime and terrorism within 5G, encrypted, and quantum communications. Lastly, LICORICE was introduced focusing on privacy-preserving technologies and secure identity management solutions from November 2025.

The day ended with the "If I Had This Tech" practitioner Lab, encouraging participant collaboration. Most of the research presented and discussed throughout the event was EU-funded and highlighted significant advancements in biometrics for home affairs. These developments are crucial for both law enforcement investigations and migration processes. Despite the challenges faced by authorities, the event demonstrated a continuous commitment to advancing biometric solutions that not only strengthen security but also respect privacy and individual rights.