The eu-LISA, in charge of overseeing the live testing for the EES’ “interoperability” system, will likely take the blame if the EES System is pushed back again in November – the official launch. The entry of the European-wide IT system that will manage foreign travel entering and leaving the Schengen Area has suffered constant delays.
Now member states are raising concern that they have not been provided with the “necessary functionalities” to interoperate their IT systems with all EU states in preparation for the EES System. The Entry/Exit initiative has not seen enough cooperation and pace to pilot the “interoperability System” first, before the EES.
The system is likely to drag on further for the same reason stated in other announcements – all European states are interested in implementing a system taking all possible considerations into account. Until then, the official launch date set for November 10 could change.
Whilst not confirmed by Brussels, concern has been raised by other member states – namely, France, Germany and the Netherlands, with the European Commission – that the “necessary functionalities” have not yet been provided for the live testing.
The EES System cannot be expedited without the piloting of the “interoperability” system, which connects the large IT databases of every EU state relating to border controls.
Even by the standards of the EES System, which has been earmarked to be the world’s best travel authorisation system, the delays have been constant. The system will add another layer of biometric checks within the travel continuum.
These three countries have the largest flow of passengers in and out of the Schengen Area and will be affected massively when the EES comes into force.
Moreover, campaigning towards non-EU nationals who will be required to use the system has yet to start. This must commence 3 months before the EES goes live.
National authorities, the Commission and eu-LISA said they are cooperating and considering various options for the system to start operation on time, including considering a partial launch.
All the participating member states are supportive of the EES System’s entry, designed to “protect borders” and limit visitors to short stays only.
