Idemia, Sopra Steria Launch EU's Biometric System for EES

Published Date : 8/25/2025 

Idemia Public Security and Sopra Steria have successfully launched the EU's Shared Biometric Matching System (sBMS), a critical component for enhancing border security and facilitating traveler checks at the EU's external borders. 

The launch of the EU-LISA Shared Biometric Matching System (sBMS) to live production has been declared a success by Idemia Public Security and Sopra Steria. This system is a significant advancement in the EU's efforts to enhance border security through the use of biometric technology.

As the EU’s new central biometric matching system, the sBMS is designed to store and compare fingerprints and facial biometrics. It was launched in conjunction with the Visa Information System (VIS) to facilitate checks at the bloc’s external borders. The sBMS will also be integrated with the European Entry/Exit System (EES) upon its launch, which is currently scheduled to roll out between mid-October this year and mid-April 2026.

Eu-LISA announced the successful launch of the sBMS in May, marking nearly five years since Idemia and Sopra Steria were awarded the contract for this project. Idemia Public Security was chosen to ensure the accuracy and fast response times for what will soon be one of the largest biometric databases in the world. According to the announcement, Idemia’s expertise in the travel and transport industry and with identity verification in high-risk environments played a crucial role in the project's success.

Tim Ferris, SVP of Travel and Transport at Idemia Public Security, expressed his excitement about the partnership with eu-LISA. “We are excited to partner with eu-LISA and advance our mission of enabling secure, seamless, and personalized digital passenger journeys for travelers across the world,” Ferris said. “With our work to design and implement the sBMS, Europe will manage one of the largest biometric systems in the world. This is another example of how Idemia’s technology can make the world a safer place more than ever before, and we’re proud to play a critical role in this journey.”

However, Sopra Steria has faced criticism following an audit by the European Data Protection Supervisor, which revealed numerous high-severity security vulnerabilities in the Schengen Information System (SIS). The SIS feeds biometric data on illegal immigrants and suspected criminals to the sBMS, making the security of this system crucial for the overall effectiveness of the biometric matching process.

Despite these challenges, the successful launch of the sBMS represents a significant step forward in the EU's efforts to enhance border security and streamline traveler checks. The integration of advanced biometric technology is expected to improve the efficiency and reliability of border control processes, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure travel environment for all EU citizens and visitors. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the Shared Biometric Matching System (sBMS)?

A: The Shared Biometric Matching System (sBMS) is a central biometric matching system designed to store and compare fingerprints and facial biometrics, enhancing border security and facilitating traveler checks at the EU's external borders.

Q: When was the sBMS launched?

A: The sBMS was successfully launched in May of the current year, nearly five years after Idemia and Sopra Steria were awarded the contract for the project.

Q: What is the role of Idemia Public Security in the sBMS project?

A: Idemia Public Security was chosen to ensure the accuracy and fast response times for the sBMS, leveraging their expertise in travel and transport industry and identity verification in high-risk environments.

Q: What are the security concerns with the Schengen Information System (SIS)?

A: An audit by the European Data Protection Supervisor revealed numerous high-severity security vulnerabilities in the SIS, which feeds biometric data to the sBMS, raising concerns about the overall security of the system.

Q: When is the European Entry/Exit System (EES) expected to be fully operational?

A: The EES is expected to roll out between mid-October of the current year and mid-April 2026, and will be integrated with the sBMS to enhance border security. 

More Related Topics :