EU considers extra travel security measures

The European Union is looking into introducing an electronic travel authorisation system after a similar system was approved in the U.S. last week, EUobserver reports. "We are considering introducing this system in the EU. A final decision has not yet been taken," said a spokesman for justice commissioner Franco Frattini on Tuesday, 7 August. According to the cited source, the EU would have to look at whether the scheme introduced more security benefits to passengers than travel inconvenience. U.S. President George W. Bush last week signed off a series of anti-terrorism measures that included a system of electronic screening for passengers travelling to the U.S. and not requiring a visa.