Introduction

Nina Amelung,Helena Machado,Rafaela Granja

doi:10.1007/978-981-15-8183-0_1

Abstract

Abstract This introductory chapter sets out the key themes and arguments of the book and provides a road map for the remaining chapters. It outlines the book’s ambition to contribute to the sociological and criminological literature on technological infrastructures, borders and specific visions of Europe by portraying what we call the biobordering processes at work in the EU. Relying on what Misa and Schot, reflecting on technological infrastructures, have called the ‘hidden integration’ and ‘hidden fragmentation’ of Europe, the transnational exchange of forensic DNA data organized through the Prüm system serves as an exemplary case through which to explore the different logics of biobordering dynamics at work across the European Union. We complement an EU-level analysis with country case analysis of modes of biobordering that emphasize the legal, scientific, technical, political and ethical dimensions related to the governance and uses of biometric technologies both at a national level and in a transnational collaboration.

Highlights

This introductory chapter sets out the key themes and arguments of the book and provides a road map for the remaining chapters
In line with that view, we argue that it is important to acknowledge the diversity of visions of Europe and to distinguish them from the views and practices of the European Union (EU) as a political project materialized by supra-state institutions
By looking into the Prüm regime of transnational biometric data exchange, we address the interplay between specific visions of Europe which foster the idea of Europe’s technological and political integration in law enforcement through borderless data exchange and the role of selected EU Member States in implementing or resisting those visions, a process that substantially contributes to how large-scale cross-border information systems evolve and are maintained

Summary

Introduction

Abstract This introductory chapter sets out the key themes and arguments of the book and provides a road map for the remaining chapters. The Prüm system1 is a transnational system that links European Union (EU) Member States’ national databases and works on the basis of reciprocal automated searching and comparison of DNA profile information, fingerprints and vehicle registration data.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion