The U.S. introduced the move to e-passports after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. The European Commission has now implemented the use of biometric passports for uniformity as soon as possible on European security standards, using biometrics, for EU citizens' passports, visas and residence permits. The proposals for visas and residence permits provide for two mandatory biometric identifiers: the facial image and fingerprints. Only the facial image has been chosen as a mandatory biometric identifier for passports. Fingerprints can be added as an option at the discretion of Member States. The proposal will now be considered by the Council and the European Parliament.

The aim of the Commission proposal is to upgrade the security features adopted by the Council in October 2000 in its Resolution on minimum security standards for passports and other travel documents.

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