The European Commission has announced plans to introduce sweeping new immigration controls across the countries covered by the Schengen agreement.
The plans include a satellite surveillance system monitoring the entire territory of the EU.
They would also require all visitors to the EU to provide fingerprints so their movements can be tracked.
EU citizens will also be required to submit fingerprints if they want to participate in new fast-track customs controls.
The EU says the measures are being proposed to counter fears about terrorism and security following last December's extension of the passport-free Schengen area to nine of the newer member states.
However, civil liberties groups say they are an unwarranted infringement on privacy and are designed to prevent immigration from Africa under the guise of combating terrorism.
Ireland and Britain will have a choice whether or not to participate in the new measures as the two countries are currently not in the Schengen area.
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