Railways under scrutiny as European nations gather for Paris security summit

The use of scanners at railway stations will be among measures discussed by European ministers at a security summit called after the foiled gun attack on a French train last weekMinisters from nine European countries are gathering in Paris today to formulate a co-ordinated response to the threat of an atrocity on Europe’s rail networks. The European Union’s anti-terrorism co-ordinator Gilles de Kerchove will also join the talks.

We must see if we can put in place a mechanism that allows control at airports, in transportation, in a more co-ordinated manner.

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve

The meeting is expected to bring recommendations for metal detectors at train stations, more armed security and increased information sharing about passengers. The ministers are not planning to call into question the principles of Europe’s border-free travel. The results of Saturday’s conference will be debated by Europe’s rail security group on Sept. 11, and forwarded for EU transport ministers to discuss when they meet October 7-8.

Europe trains security