The EU's Entry/Exit System launch delayed.

Recent developments in the EU Entry/Exit System 

On October 10, 2024, the European Commission officially announced the delay of the EES implementation. Ylva Johansson, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, made this announcement following a meeting of EU interior ministers where the issue was discussed.

Key points from the announcement about the EU entry/exit system:

1. The November 10, 2024 launch date is "no longer on the table."
2. There is currently no new timeline for the start of the entry exit system EU.
3. The Commission is considering "a phased approach" rather than a simultaneous launch at all border crossing points.
4. Some checks have been modified: passengers will need to provide a facial scan or a fingerprint, rather than both as previously understood.

Reasons for the EU Entry/Exit System delay

Several factors contributed to this postponement of the EU entry exit system:

1. Lack of readiness in national IT systems across multiple member states.
2. Insufficient stability and functionality of the EES central system provided by EU-Lisa.
3. Incomplete live testing of the EU's software on various countries' border computer systems.

Future implementation of the Entry/Exit System

While the exact implementation date of the EU entry/exit system remains uncertain, it's now expected that many travellers will undergo EES registration in the summer of 2025. This timeline aligns with the introduction of the EU's ETIAS visa waiver scheme, which is set to be implemented "in the first half of 2025."

Challenges at the EU’s external borders

The European Union continues to face increasing challenges in managing its borders. The number of people crossing into and out of the Schengen Area is on the rise, leading to longer wait times at border controls. Additionally, the current system struggles to track how long non-EU citizens stay within the area, making it difficult to identify overstayers. These issues not only impact border efficiency but also pose security risks.

Benefits of the EU Entry/Exit System

Once implemented, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to enhance border security and efficiency within the Schengen Area. By digitally recording entry and exit stamps for non-EU citizens, including those from the UK, the EES will help to prevent overstays, combat terrorism, and streamline border checks. This system will also provide valuable data for law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal activities.

How the Entry/Exit System works

The Entry/Exit System (EES) will apply to non-EU citizens, including UK travellers, entering the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. When entering a country using the EES, travellers will have their biometric data (facial image or fingerprint) collected and stored in the system. This information, along with passport details and travel history, will be used for border control and security purposes.

Data security with the EES

The EES data will be accessible to authorities responsible for border control, visa issuance, and law enforcement within EU member states. Europol will also have access to the system for criminal investigations. To protect personal information, strict rules govern data sharing with other countries and international organizations. Importantly, airlines and other carriers can only verify visa information and are not allowed to access personal data stored in the EES.

Potential challenges for the EES

The upcoming implementation of the EES has raised concerns about potential disruptions and delays, particularly for UK travellers. These delays could have a knock-on effect on freight transport, and lead to supply chain disruption in the UK. While preparations are underway, businesses should be prepared for possible disruptions.

Preparations and next steps

While the exact implementation date of the EU entry/exit system remains uncertain, preparations are ongoing. The European Commission is now pursuing a phased approach to the EES introduction, which may help mitigate some of the potential challenges for both EU and UK travellers.