On August 25, 2025, IDEMIA Public Security and Sopra Steria announced the successful deployment of the shared biometric matching system (sBMS) for the European agency eu-LISA. This project marks a key milestone in identity management and border security across the European Union.

A central system for European border security

The sBMS aims to centralize and unify biometric management of third-country nationals. It enables the storage and comparison of fingerprints and facial images to strengthen the reliability of border checks within the Schengen area. Designed to handle extremely large data volumes, it is now one of the largest biometric systems ever deployed worldwide.

Its integration into eu-LISA’s IT architecture is intended to enhance cooperation among Member States and facilitate interoperability with other European systems such as the Visa Information System (VIS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES). This interconnection is expected to enable faster and more efficient border controls while complying with EU data protection regulations.

The role of IDEMIA, Sopra Steria, and implications for the sector

The development of the sBMS relies on the combined expertise of IDEMIA Public Security, responsible for biometric solutions, and Sopra Steria, acting as technology integrator. Their cooperation delivered a robust tool capable of processing millions of identity checks in real time.

For stakeholders in the biometrics and security industries, this project sets a benchmark. It demonstrates how identity solutions can be deployed on a large scale to meet sovereignty and citizen protection requirements. Biotime Technology, as a company specialized in access and identification technologies, is closely following these developments. The experience gained from European projects such as the sBMS can inspire and strengthen the solutions we provide to our clients, whether they are public organizations or private enterprises.

Outlook and challenges

The launch of the sBMS is a first step toward full interoperability of European border management systems. With the gradual implementation of the EES expected by the end of 2025, biometric infrastructures will play an increasingly critical role in facilitating travel and combating identity fraud.

Challenges remain: ensuring the protection of sensitive data, maintaining rapid response times despite the scale of the data processed, and strengthening the cybersecurity of interconnected platforms. Nonetheless, the sBMS confirms the central role of biometrics in the European strategy for security and identity management.

Source: https://www.idemia.com/fr/communique-de-presse/idemia-public-security-et-sopra-steria-annoncent-la-mise-en-service-reussie-du-nouveau-systeme-partage-de-correspondances-biometriques-avec-eu-lisa-2025-08-25