EU Reaches Agreement on Gradual Roll-Out of Entry-Exit System for Border Security

The European Parliament and the Council have reached an agreement on the gradual implementation of the Entry-Exit System (EES) at the EU’s external borders. The system aims to register non-EU nationals’ external border crossings for short stays, enhancing security, expediting border checks, and reducing queues. The roll-out will span 180 days to allow EU countries to prepare adequately.

Negotiating teams from the European Parliament and the Polish presidency of the Council have finalized a plan for introducing the EES at the EU’s external borders. The system will collect data, including biometrics like facial images and fingerprints, of third-country nationals entering and leaving the Schengen area on short-stay visas. The phased implementation over 180 days aims to prevent overwhelming the system, with adjustments made to the original timeline to ensure a steady increase in operational capacity.

MEPs have secured contingency measures in case of system issues and improved coordination between central and national plans. The roll-out remains voluntary for EU countries, with the flexibility to implement the system simultaneously if desired. The agreement also safeguards travelers from adverse decisions based solely on missing entries in the EES.

Rapporteur Assita Kanko emphasized the importance of the agreement in enhancing border security and streamlining travel processes. The next steps involve formal adoption by both co-legislators, with the Civil Liberties Committee and plenary votes pending. Once enacted, the Commission will determine the launch date for the 180-day roll-out period.

The EES, developed by eu-LISA, will replace physical passport stamping with real-time accessible data for Schengen area member states, enhancing security capabilities. This marks the first systematic collection of biometric data at EU external borders, expected to improve compliance with entry regulations and border security.