The EU Entry/Exit System, which has been subject to prolonged delays, could finally be installed and working to automate border monitoring of the Schengen Area by November. It has been a disappointing lead-up for the implementation of a digital border check system to replace passport stamps.
Authorities will be able to digitally collect the data of third-country nationals on their movements in and out of the Schengen Area, advancing passenger information to be more readily available to the travel industry that requires full disclosure of passengers’ identities. The data can be retained for checks during future journeys and if a person commits a crime, the database keeps a record of their biometrics, storing passport images matched to someone’s real-life biometrics when they present themselves at an e-gate.
The timeline of the EES has been drawn-out since its initial start date in 2022, but a start date is confirmed by the European Commission as the November 10th, 2024.
It is a similar trend of overcoming legal obstacles before the rollout of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) can begin, which will also go live this year. No definite start date is set, the Commission said.
Different stakeholders have been consulted and embroiled in “intense dialogues”, which Ms Johansson admitted during a walk-about at the eu-LISA (the EU Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice) in Tallin, Estonia.
He galvanised excitement saying the “big day” was close for “carriers, operators, train stations, airports” during a non-peak time. Real momentum is building for the final test phase and delivery, which will benefit 700 million tourists travelling to Europe, estimated from last year’s recorded journeys. “450 million Europeans will sleep safer” thanks to the systems.
Non- eligible travellers will be stopped from bringing terrorism and international crime into the EU. The Commission said the EES will be “the most advanced border management system in the world” interoperating with existing national and European IT systems.
The system has mitigated challenges such as IT issues, privacy concerns, and the impact on potential delays and necessary training needed for border guards and travel operators, who will oversee biometric collection at crossings.
