The European Union has announced a further postponement of the Entry/Exit System (EES), originally scheduled to be implemented on November 10 of this year.
The announcement regarding the delay of the EU’s new border system was made by Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson during a meeting of EU interior ministers on Thursday.
Commissioner Johansson stated that the November 10 launch date is no longer viable, according to Schengen.News. She explained that Germany, France, and the Netherlands have indicated they are not prepared, citing issues with their border computer systems that cannot be resolved in time.
Expressing her concern about the situation, Johansson emphasized her hope that the EU can move forward with the EES implementation as soon as possible, although no new timeline has been established at this point.
“I hope we can begin implementation as soon as possible, but currently, there is no new timeline. This will also depend on the legal assessment we are conducting, and we are actively working on that now.”
— EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson.
Johansson mentioned that the EU is contemplating a phased implementation of the EES as an alternative. However, she stressed that even if this approach is adopted, the gradual rollout will not commence on November 10, 2024.
A spokesperson from the German Interior Ministry previously stated that Germany, France, and the Netherlands—representing about 40% of the impacted passenger traffic—are unprepared to implement the new border system due to the absence of the necessary central system, which is to be provided by EU-Lisa.
What is the Entry/Exit System and How Will It Function Once Implemented?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a planned EU initiative designed to enhance border security and streamline the entry and exit process for non-EU travelers. Once fully operational, it will automatically record the time and place of entry and exit for visitors, helping to manage border control more effectively.
When implemented, the EES will utilize advanced biometric technology, such as facial recognition and fingerprints, to verify identities. This will facilitate quicker processing at border crossings while also ensuring accurate tracking of individuals who enter and leave the Schengen Area. The system aims to improve security, prevent overstays, and enhance overall management of travel within the EU.
