"The data collection will take place as part of the operational project PeDRA (Processing Personal Data for Risk Analysis), which contributes to the fight against cross-border crime by ensuring that information containing personal data is effectively managed and reported from the operational area to the national and EU levels," the statement issued on Tuesday read.
The European Union is facing a huge influx of migrants from Africa and the Middle East. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated 328,000 migrants and refugees entering Europe by sea in 2016, arriving mostly in Greece and Italy.