The European Union has once again postponed the rollout of its new biometric Entry-Exit System (EES), which was set to begin on November 10, 2024.
The system, aimed at strengthening border security, will require Non-EU travelers to undergo fingerprint and facial recognition checks when entering and exiting the Schengen Area.
However, the latest delay comes as Germany, France, and the Netherlands revealed that their systems are still not ready to support the new technology. The EU has yet to announce a revised date for its implementation.
What is the Entry-Exit System (EES)?
The Entry-Exit System (EES) is a new biometric registration process that will affect all non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area. Instead of passport stamps, travelers will be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial scans. This will apply to all modes of entry, including:
- Road borders
- Airports
- Seaports
- Train stations, including Eurostar services
The EES is intended to streamline the border-crossing process by creating a digital record linking passports to biometric data, making it easier to track entries and exits.
Why the Delay?
Several issues have contributed to the latest postponement:
- System Readiness: Germany, France, and the Netherlands reported that their internal systems are not prepared to integrate the new technology.
- Technical Stability: According to the German interior ministry, the EU agency responsible for implementing the system, EU-Lisa, has not yet made it stable enough for launch.
- Testing Gaps: Sources have also revealed that the EU’s software has not been tested on the UK’s border systems, further complicating the rollout.
No New Date for Implementation
EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed that the system will not be ready by November 2024 as initially planned. She explained that a phased approach will now be taken, although no new timetable has been set.
Also Read: Schengen Visa Stamping to End Soon: New Entry-Exit System Explained
Previous Delays
The Entry-Exit System has already faced multiple delays. Originally scheduled for 2022, the system’s introduction was pushed to May 2023, then postponed again to late 2023. The most recent target date was November 2024, but now, even that deadline has been scrapped.
Challenges and Concerns
Implementing a complex system like the EES across all EU external borders presents significant challenges. France’s interior ministry emphasized the importance of preparing the system properly, while a European Commission spokesperson acknowledged that delays are sometimes unavoidable with such large-scale operations.
Additionally, there have been concerns about the potential impact of the EES on travel times and the privacy of travelers.
What’s Next?
The EU Justice and Home Affairs Council is scheduled to meet next week to discuss the next steps for the EES. Until the system is fully operational, travelers will continue to use the existing passport-stamping process at EU borders.
Stay tuned for further updates as the EU continues to work toward launching this new biometric system.
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