The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached yesterday by the European Parliament and the Council on the Commissions proposal for the gradual implementation of Europes new digital border system, the Entry/Exit System (EES).
This agreement allows the EES to become operational gradually over six months. All member states will start using the EES once it is operational, and border authorities will progressively register data of third-country nationals crossing borders. All individuals will be registered by the end of this period.
The EES will enhance external border management, increase security in the Schengen area by detecting overstayers and reducing identity fraud, and enable automated border checks. This will expedite border procedures, making travel smoother and safer for everyone.
This agreement is a key step to ensure that information systems in the Schengen area can interoperate. It allows member states to benefit from the new system while giving border authorities and the transport industry more time to adapt to the new procedures.
Next Steps
The Regulation must now be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council. It will then enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
Once adopted and in force, and after receiving declarations of readiness from member states, the Commission will set the date for the systems gradual rollout. The EES will then be deployed gradually and will be fully operational within six months from the start.
Background
The EES is an advanced technological system that will digitally record the entries and exits of non-EU nationals traveling to 29 European countries for short stays. It will capture biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial images, and other travel information, replacing the current passport stamping system.
For More Information
Commission proposal for a progressive start of Europes new digital border system