UK officials had been pushing to reestablish access to two major EU databases: the Schengen Information System (SIS), which provides real-time alerts on criminal suspects, and Eurodac, a fingerprinting system used to track illegal migrants across the continent. However, Brussels told negotiators during talks last week that such access would not be allowed, reports The Times.
One source close to the discussions said the decision has caused “frustration” within the UK negotiating team. “This is something that we would see as mutually beneficial but so far there has been no movement,” the source said. “The EU’s argument appears to be that it would set a precedent and that third parties can’t have access to Schengen databases. But it is frustrating, as it makes co-operation in areas like illegal migration much harder.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously said that he would try to expand access to EU data systems, making it a top priority.
Whitehall officials had described potetial access to Eurodac as a “gamechanger” for the Home Office, which is working through a backlog of asylum claims and appeals.
Access to the database would allow British immigration authorities to quickly determine if an individual had already applied for asylum elsewhere in Europe and been rejected, potentially making it faster to process and remove those who do not meet the criteria.
The refusal by Brussels comes as the UK continues to face pressure over the cost of housing illegal immigrants. More than 38,000 are currently being housed in hotels, costing taxpayers £5.5 million each day.
British officials had hoped improved data-sharing could serve as a foundation for closer security cooperation with the EU in the post-Brexit era. But the EU has so far held firm in refusing to allow third countries like the UK access to its internal systems.
