The European Union has announced the postponement of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which was scheduled to launch on November 10 of this year.
The EES which has been delayed several times now, is an automated IT system that will replace passport stamping. Once launched, the system will require all foreign travelers entering the Schengen Area for short stays, whether they are eligible for visa-free travel or not, to register by providing their biometric data – facial images and fingerprints – and other personal information.
Travelers’ entries and exits, or entry refusals will be electronically registered in the EES. The system will also identify overstayers and provide reliable data on entries, exits, and refusals of entry
The postponement of the EES implementation was announced by the Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson during a meeting of the EU interior ministers on Thursday.
According to Johansson, postponement of the launch date is because some EU member states including Germany, France, and the Netherlands said that their border computer systems cannot be ready in time.
While noting that there is no new timeline so far, the commissioner is optimistic that the ESS will be implemented as soon as possible.
“I hope we can start as soon as possible but there’s no new timeline so far. This also depends on the legal assessment that we will do, and we’re working on it right now,” Johansson said.
As an alternative, Johansson noted that the EU is now considering launching the EES in a phased-in manner. However, she emphasised that even if such a decision is taken, the gradual introduction will not start on November 10, 2024.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
