The implementation of Europe’s new electronic border scheme and entry/exit system (EES) is being delayed again because the database on which the system depends will not be ready on time, according to British news outlet The Independent. EES was supposed to be introduced in May of this year, but was later postponed to November. By that date, non-EU citizens who currently do not need a visa to enter Europe will be expected to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization, which requires non-residents to fill out an application form and pay a €7 fee before they travel.
The European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA) is responsible for developing and managing the system. The EES is an automated IT system for registering travelers from third-countries, both short-stay visa holders and visa exempt travelers, each time they cross an EU external border. The system will register the person’s name, type of the travel document, biometric data (fingerprints and captured facial images) and the date and place of entry and exit, in full respect of fundamental rights and data protection.
It will also record refusals of entry. EES will replace the current system of manual stamping of passports, which is time consuming, does not provide reliable data on border crossings and does not allow a systematic detection of over-stayers (travelers who have exceeded the maximum duration of their authorized stay).
The system aims to prevent irregular migration and help protect the security of European citizens. It will also help bonafide third-country nationals to travel more easily while also identifying more efficiently over-stayers as well as cases of document and identity fraud. In addition to this, the system will enable a wider use of automated border control checks and self-service systems, which are quicker and more comfortable for the traveler.
For its part the aviation industry has welcomed the decision to postpone the implementation of the new border scheme. Represented by the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, Airlines for Europe (A4E), the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), they noted that the extra time was in fact necessary.
According to ACI, postponing the implementation until after the busy summer period will give airlines, airports, EU and national authorities the opportunity to resolve these issues and ensure the system is fully tested. Building traveller confidence with an effective rollout of EES is critical for aviation sector as it continues its recovery.
France is set to welcome thousands of visitors during the 2024 Olympics. The implementation of a new entry system with installation and training involved, plus any potential glitches could cause serious problems during the event. Organizers were also confident that postponing its deployment at least until late 2024 would be a better decision.
Our two nations continue to build on the deep and longstanding Anglo-French relationship, and it’s been a pleasure to meet my colleague, Clement Beaune, to discuss our shared priorities.
Mark Harper, UK’s Transport Secretary
Earlier this year, the UK and France confirmed their willingness to collaborate on the implementation of the new EU biometric entry system. In February, UK’s Transport Secretary Mark Harper met his French counterpart Clément Beaune in Paris in an effort to prepare the countries for the upcoming implementation of EES.
Harper also held a meeting with officials of the Getlink Group, the company that manages Channel Tunnel and Shuttle transportation between England and France. He emphasized the “UK’s willingness to support preparations ahead of the implementation of EES.”
According to The Independent, the decision to delay the deployment of EES was taken by the management board of EU-Lisa at a meeting hotel last month. Officials concluded that the system could not be ready in 2023. The next meeting, which will be online, is scheduled for 31 May 2023. An official announcement with a new potential date is expected thereafter.
