Use Of Full Body Scanners 'Inevitable'

People traveling by air in Europe can expect more stringent security measures, the Spanish Presidency of the European Union said over the weekend.

Spain currently holds the rotating Presidency of the EU. Prime Minster Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero told the newspaper El Pais that the Christmas Day attempt to bring down a U.S.-bound jetliner has "forced us to consider reinforcing air transport security."

The international news service AFP reports that full body scanner technology will be at the center of discussions held between EU interior ministers and Janet Napolitano, secretary for Homeland Security, at what are described as "informal" talks in Toledo, Spain this week. "What we will do as the Spanish presidency is seek a common position among the 27 (EU members). And it's probable that this position is heading towards reinforcing passenger checks in airports," Zapatero said.

Britain and the Netherlands have already announced they will start using full body scanners at airports. France and Italy say they will evaluate the devices, and the Czech Republic has also expressed support for the scanners, which can see through clothes.  Other nations have taken a slower approach.

Still, Spanish Transport Minister Jose Balnco said their eventual use in Europe is "inevitable" in remarks made last week, though others have said privacy issues remain a major concern.

FMI: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/