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But there is some scepticism from countries like Germany over the proposal and fears that the 27-nation bloc could be treading on NATO's toes.

But it has faced fierce opposition from several member states and the right wing of the European Parliament -- treading carefully around agricultural interests since protests over EU red tape swept the bloc last year.

Saying the bloc harmed Spanish interests in favour of France and Germany, he promised a referendum on membership if the EU did not "respect" Spain.

The aim of the new system is to eventually replace the manual stamp on passports and secure better information-sharing between the bloc's 27 states.

He held a rally in Maroua in the strategic Far North region, which has 1.2 million eligible voters and makes up the second largest voting bloc in the country.