Brussels detects 14 serious security failures at Lisbon airport

After a surprise lightning visit to Lisbon airport in December, a European Commission inspection team discovered 14 serious security failings covering human resources, equipment, and even checks made by Portugal’s PSP public security police.

According to the popular daily tabloid Correio da Manhã, Portugal has until the end of the year to resolve the problems in what this European body considers “one of the most important air borders in the Schengen area”.

The Brussels report was mentioned by Portugal’s Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, in Tuesday’s parliamentary hearing.

“We were the subject of an inspection and the inconsistencies are already being resolved,” he said, citing as an example the ‘SSK’ boxes, acquired by the Portuguese State for collecting biometric data from passengers outside the Schengen Area. The equipment had a 30% error rate, which is requiring its progressive replacement.

Another problem highlighted in the inspection carried out by the European Commission is the lack of security personnel.

According to the newspaper, the national director of the PSP (Public Security Police), Luís Carrilho, has already ordered an internal recruitment drive for 60 officers, with the aim of integrating them into the National Immigration and Borders Unit. In addition, 300 students from the ongoing officer training course will be assigned to reinforce airport security.

Source: Correio da Manhã; Image: Wikipedia