As of today, Australians traveling to Europe are subject to enhanced border control measures, which see biometric data collection integrated into the immigration process. Under the new Entry/Exit System (EES), travelers will have their faces scanned and fingerprints taken upon entering any of the 29 participating countries. This major shift replaces traditional passport stamps, aiming to streamline tracking of individuals entering and leaving the continent. The implementation of EES comes amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has heightened concerns about air travel safety and efficiency. Officials expect significant queues and delays at airports and land borders as travelers... [Continue Reading]
On February 23, the UNODC convened a hybrid briefing in Vienna to outline its 2027 Global Study on Firearms Trafficking. Representatives from more than 15 countries attended in person, while over 25 joined online, signaling broad international participation. The briefing detailed the study's objectives, methodology, and timeline, emphasizing the critical role of the UN Illicit Arms Flows Questionnaire in gathering essential data. Illicit firearms trafficking is a major factor driving armed violence, crime, and destabilization across many countries. By strengthening the global evidence base, the study seeks to provide policymakers and security agencies with a clearer picture of trafficking routes... [Continue Reading]