The European Union’s border guards have been quietly recommending surveillance technology made by an Israeli firm.
Frontex – the EU’s border and coast guard agency – arranges “industry days” during which weapons firms can showcase equipment deemed helpful in tracking migrants.
Unnoticed by news media, Israel’s BeeSense took part in one such event during April.
BeeSense had been invited to do so because Frontex placed it on a shortlist of 16 firms offering what the agency described as “technological solutions.”
While presenting its radars and sensors at the Frontex event, BeeSense boasted of a “strong footprint in the IDF [Israel’s military].”
Chris Borowski, a Frontex spokesperson, told me by email that the “industry days” offer a “platform to explore innovations in border management technologies.” EU governments are provided with “a chance to learn about the latest tools in the field.”
“It’s worth mentioning that Frontex doesn’t decide whether these technologies get used,” Borowski added. “That’s up to the national authorities.”
Borowski’s attempt to pass the buck is inexcusable. By shortlisting BeeSense, Frontex gave a seal of approval to Israeli surveillance technology at a time while Israel is actively destroying Gaza. (more...)
EU’s Frontex gives seal of approval to Israeli surveillance firm
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