EU Entry/Exit System to Be Rolled Out Gradually Across Member States

Photo source: European Commission

The European Commission recently proposed to introduce a progressive start of operations for Europe’s new digital border system – the Entry/Exit System (EES).

The proposal, once it has been approved and a date for the start of the system has been set by the Commission, will give Member States six months to deploy the EES.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the EU external borders.

The system, in full respect of fundamental rights and data Protection, will digitally record the person’s:

– name,
– type of the travel document,
– biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images)
– and the date and place of entry and exit.

According to the Commission, the EES modernises border management by increasing efficiency and quality of processes at the border. The new system will simplify border controls and make them more resilient to attempts of fraudsters.

“The proposal allows Member States to progressively benefit from advantages and capabilities of the system, while border authorities and the transport industry will have more time to adjust to the new procedures,” the Commission said in an announcement.

The proposal will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption. Once adopted, the EES Regulation will enter into force, allowing Member States and eu-LISA to prepare for the progressive start of operations.

An agency of the EU, eu-LISA is responsible for managing and overseeing large-scale IT systems that support the EU’s security, justice, and migration policies.