Greece to receive 1.36 million for buying 90 fingerprinting devices

These devices will be used to ensure proper identification and registration of migrants at Greek border crossings,” European Commission said

The European Commission on Wednesday decided to provide Greece 1.36 million euros in emergency funding for the purchase of 90 fingerprinting devices, EU’s executive said.

The equipment was judged necessary for the proper identification and registration of migrants arriving at the Greek borders and the effective operation of the hotspots set up on the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Leros, Kos and Samos.

“The 90 fingerprinting devices and workstations will be connected to the central EURODAC system to ensure sharing of information, and will be installed at border crossing points throughout the country, including on the Eastern Aegean islands,” the Commission’s announcement said.

“These devices will be used to ensure proper identification and registration of migrants at Greek border crossings,” the Commission said adding that “they will help to ensure the full and effective operation of the hotspots established on the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Leros, Kos and Samos,”.

The emergency funding comes from the Internal Security Fund (ISF) and is part of the Commission’s overall efforts to support concrete and effective actions in member states facing high migratory pressure.