By creating the Border Security Lab, the JRC seeks to establish a collaborative network of laboratories that specialise in supporting border control and customs operations, ultimately enhancing security and efficiency at national borders. The Border Security Lab is a pillar of the Research and Innovation Security Campus. Some of the activities of the Border Security Lab are connected to the JRC Living Labs, which allow testing under real-life conditions.
Supporting effective border management
Effective border management is critical for maintaining security, promoting lawful trade and travel, and addressing emerging threats. Effective controls at the Schengen area’s external borders are essential to ensure a safe environment within it, while, at the same time, guaranteeing free movement. To support this, the JRC Border Security Lab addresses key challenges, including:
- improving cooperation with law enforcement agencies and non-EU countries
- virtualising external borders to streamline international travel processes
- avoiding internal border controls by using advanced technologies
- anticipating risks from the misuse of emerging technologies
- reducing illegal border crossings, smuggling and related crimes.
Objectives
While effective border security benefits from advanced technologies, it also demands careful testing and implementation, skilled personnel, and seamless cooperation among countries. The development of the Border Security Lab aims to fulfil the following objectives:
- Help develop new technologies and processes
that are relevant for integrated border management.
- Test and demonstrate innovative solutions
including Horizon Europe and Euratom research output for supporting border guards in carrying out their tasks.
- Provide training to border control officers
and provide capabilities for mobile expert support teams.
Activities supporting border security
The lab undertakes a wide range of activities to support border security:
- Technology development: Design and refine new tools and processes for border management.
- Sandbox testing: Test the feasibility of implementing new legislation and demonstrate modern technologies to policymakers and stakeholders.
- Equipment testing: Independently test and integrate new equipment available on the market.
- Living labs: Use realistic environments to test border security solutions.
- Industry collaboration: Provide facilities for industry partners to develop innovative products.
- Public engagement: Organise exhibitions for the general public and schools during events like Open Days.
- Training programmes: Offer hands-on training for border control officers and expert teams.
- Research output testing: Evaluate solutions developed through Horizon Europe and Euratom programmes.
Future directions
The Border Security Lab will build on existing expertise across the JRC. Key steps in this process are the strengthening of partnerships with agencies like Frontex and Europol, exploring the possibility of hosting agency staff at JRC sites, and expanding international collaborations, such as those with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Border Monitoring Working Group (BMWG - a collaboration between the IAEA, EU and the United States).
Stakeholders and partners
The JRC Border Security Lab works closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including:
Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME)
Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE)
Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD)
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Directorate-General for International Partnerships (INTPA)
Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI)
Directorate-General for Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (DG HERA)
Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO)
European External Action Service (EEAS)
European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex)
European Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol)
European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (EU-LISA)
European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Law enforcement agencies
Customs
Border police
Border Security Solutions
This activity aims to support European Commission work on stronger external borders and improved information exchange.
Detection of explosives and illicit substances
In the Explosives Trace Detection laboratory, researchers test the security screening machines used in EU airports to screen passengers, staff, supplies, hold baggage and cargo to detect traces of explosives. The lab is part of the Border Security Research Infrastructure.
Detection of drugs and illicit tobacco trade
The JRC Narcotics Laboratory conducts research to support forensic, customs and public health bodies in the identification and analysis of new psychoactive substances.
Detection of airborne pathogens and other particulate threats
This JRC Nanobiotechnology Laboratory develops methods for detecting airborne pathogens and particulate threats.
Nuclear detection, forensics and strategic trade control
Scientists develop new nuclear forensic signatures helping to identify nuclear material of unknown origin that has been intercepted during illicit trafficking.
In addition, several activities contribute to this field of competence, including the development of analytical methods for environmental sample analysis, and the training of front-line officers and experts, carried out in the European Nuclear Security Training Centre.
- Strategic trade control
- Large Geometry-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
- The European Nuclear Security Training Centre
Countering unmanned aircraft systems
This activity tests counter-drone technologies, which comprise a broad spectrum of innovative solutions designed to detect, identify, classify, track, and mitigate drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Biometrics
In the JRC Biometric Laboratory researchers study face and fingerprint biometrics and their different acquisition methods. This work supports the Schengen Information System, the information sharing system for security and border management in Europe, and other large-scale IT systems.
Monitoring of news and analysis of security events
The Europe Media Monitor retrieves and analyses news to track topics and detect trends. It can serve as an early warning tool for identifying events such as those related to border security.
JRC's research work also include a platform offering data and tools useful to counter terrorism threats.
Foresight
The Competence Centre on Foresight supports EU policy making by developing different methods and tools to make foresight practically useful in the decision making processes.
Reference materials
The Reference Material Production Laboratory supports the development and production of certified reference materials, which are essential for preparing for and responding to public health crises, such as pandemics or widespread food product contaminations.
