EU delays Entry/Exit System launch

The European Union has decided to delay once again the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which was set for November 10 of this year. As informed by a news report in  Schengen News.

The news on the postponement of the EU’s new border system was announced by the Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson during a meeting of the EU interior ministers. Commissioner Johansson said that the November 10 launch date is no longer on the table. As informed by a report in Schengen News.

She further noted that this date is no longer being considered as Germany, France, and the Netherlands have expressed their unreadiness. The three countries have said that their border computer systems cannot be ready in time.

Expressing concern about the situation, Commissioner Johansson said that she hopes that the EU can start with the implementation of the EES as soon as possible while stressing that there is no new timeline so far.

As an alternative, Johansson noted that the EU is now considering launching the EES in a phased-in manner. However, she emphasised that even if such a decision is taken, the gradual introduction will not start on November 10, 2024.

A German Interior Ministry spokesperson previously said that three countries – Germany, France, and the Netherlands – which represent around 40 per cent of the affected passenger traffic, were not ready to

implement the new border system because the needed central system to be provided by EU-Lisa is not in place yet.

What is Entry/Exit System & how will it work once it is implemented

The Entry/Exit System, which has been delayed several times now, is an automated IT system that will modernise border control and replace passport stamping.

Once launched, the system will require all foreign travellers entering the Schengen Area for short stays, whether they are eligible for visa-free travel or not, to register by providing their biometric data – facial images and fingerprints – and other personal information.

The data will be stored in a safe database for a period of three years, and this information will be used to keep track of foreigners entering and leaving the zone, prevent irregular migration, identify individuals using fake identities, and detect overstayers, among others.

The system is expected to affect around 700 million travellers to the EU every year and, at the same time, will contribute to a smoother travel process once the registration process is completed.