EU Prepares to Introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES)

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have reached a preliminary agreement on the gradual implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) across all Schengen member states. This new mechanism aims to enhance border control procedures by digitally recording border crossings of third-country nationals.

EES is an advanced IT system that collects passport data, fingerprints, and facial images of non-EU travellers. It will provide border authorities with real-time access to personal data, travel history, and information on whether individuals comply with their permitted length of stay. As Polish Minister of the Interior Tomasz Siemoniak emphasized, this development will strengthen border security across the European Union.

The rollout of the EES will be phased. Member states will gradually expand its use over a six-month period. During the first month, at least 10% of border crossings are expected to be recorded through the system. Initially, EES may be used without biometric functions. After three months, at least 35% of border checkpoints should apply the system with full biometric capabilities. Before the end of the transitional phase, all participating countries must be ready to conduct full-scale registration.

Flexibility is a key feature of the regulation. Member states can choose whether to implement EES immediately in its entirety or gradually over 180 days. In exceptional circumstances, such as excessive traffic at border crossings, countries may suspend the use of the system for up to six hours.

Until the end of the transitional phase, travel documents will still be stamped manually. This gradual approach allows both national authorities and the transport sector to adapt to the new procedures.

It is important to note that the agreement reached is still provisional. The system will not enter into force until both the European Parliament and the Council formally adopt the regulation. The exact start date for the implementation of EES will be determined by a separate decision of the European Commission.