The Finnish government is participating in a European Union (EU) initiative to develop an identification system to detect individuals registered under multiple identities across European databases.
The project, funded under the EU’s Border Management and Visa Instrument, will create a detection system for the Visa Information System to crosscheck biometric data on visa applicants against other EU databases related to security, borders, and migration.
“This enables detection of multiple identities linked to the same set of biometric data, which is important for the processing of visas,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on January 24th.
Connecting the Dots on EU Border Security
The three-year “UMPIO project” is part of broader EU efforts to establish interoperability between member states’ systems managing migration, borders, internal security, and law enforcement.
Alongside EU agencies like Frontex, Europol, and eu-LISA, the project aims to consolidate border and visa policies across the bloc through enhanced identity verification.
“Interoperability will consolidate border and visa policies,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The €1.8 million project is being implemented domestically by the ministry’s Immigration Process and System team, Visa Unit, and visa information system contractor, led by project manager Tarja Nylander.
Biometric Detection to Identify Multiple Identities
According to the ministry, a key goal is developing a detection system within the Visa Information System to match biometric data like fingerprints.
This will allow immigration authorities to identify individuals registered under multiple identities across EU security databases, which is vital for thorough screening of visa applicants.
“The UMPIO project is developing a detector for the Visa Information System for checking identity, travel documents, and biometric data to identify individuals who are registered in several EU information systems,” the ministry said.
Enhancing Security in Visa Processing
As migration flows and cross-border crime persist as policy challenges, the European Commission has prioritized the interoperability of data systems to strengthen external border security.
The ministry said detecting multiple identities will directly “enable more secure processing of visa applications.”
Finland’s participation in beefing up the EU’s border biometrics reflects the importance of balancing travel facilitation against persistent threats.
Stronger verification tools allow states to continue reopening borders without heightening risks in parallel.
As Brussels continues consolidating migration databases and expanding mandatory EU entry screening, jointly developed detection capability will assist member states in applying common visa rules.
ETIAS Screening to Draw From Expanded Data
The multiple identity detection system under development will likely feed into screening procedures under the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Set to launch in May 2025, ETIAS will require security checks and travel authorization for visa-free visitors to the Schengen Area. Applications will be automatically processed against EU databases, including visa systems.
Enhanced interoperability and multiple identity detection will provide immigration officers and ETIAS algorithms with more comprehensive data to validate the identities and risk profiles of prospective travelers.
By flagging multiple identities, the system may reduce the chances for individuals to slip through ETIAS screening undetected. However, law-abiding visitors are unlikely to see added obstacles from the detection capability itself.
Long-Term Immigration to Remain Unaffected
While boosting security screening, expanded biometric detection through the UMPIO project is unlikely to impact legal migration and mobility to the EU.
The ministry said that the focus remains on strengthening external borders and identifying risks in visitor flows. The UMPIO project deals more with developing shared capability than setting immigration policy.
As border security and mobility represent parallel priorities for the EU, enhanced verification tools allow states to balance both interests responsibly. Legal migration channels remain committed to serving labor needs, family reunification, and Europe’s openness to the world.
Cooperation to Strengthen EU Borders
Through Finland’s contribution to shared border tools, the UMPIO project exemplifies ongoing European cooperation to make external borders more secure amid increased mobility.
Enhanced interoperability allows states to implement common policies more systematically while upholding domestic enforcement capacity.