EU Launches Digital Border Speed-Up

In an effort to modernize and expedite border crossing procedures, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have endorsed the establishment of a digital pre-clearance system. This new initiative, adopted by the Civil Liberties Committee, aims to significantly reduce waiting times at EU external borders by allowing travelers to submit travel credentials electronically prior to their arrival.

The digital travel credentials, designed to be based on biometric passports or EU identity cards, can be submitted in advance to border authorities. This system is intended to streamline the border control process by conducting certain checks, such as the validity of travel documents and entry rights, before the traveler arrives at the border. Both EU citizens and third-country nationals stand to benefit from this system, which remains voluntary and free of charge when requesting a new ID document. Physical ID documents will still need to be presented upon crossing the border.

The proposed system, expected to start 18 months after the regulation’s enactment, will integrate with existing EU border information systems like the Entry-Exit System (EES) and the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). These enhancements are anticipated to foster a smoother, faster, and more secure border crossing experience. Juan Fernando López Aguilar, the rapporteur, emphasized that the digital travel application system will transform how people enter and leave the EU, aiming to enhance the travel experience while bolstering security measures.

The draft position has been adopted with substantial support in the MEP vote, and pending no objections during the upcoming plenary session, negotiations with member states will commence. This legislative move comes in response to the growing volume of travelers and the consequent delays at border crossings, highlighted by 593 million crossings recorded in 2023 alone, according to the European Commission.