After years of delays, EU countries have finally reached an agreement on the launch of the Entry and Exit System (EES). This biometric system, which will record the data of all visitors from third countries, brings stricter border control and increased security. The transition to the new system could begin as early as October
European Union countries reached an agreement on the final introduction on Wednesday Entry and exit systems (EES), automated registry EU for visitors from third countries, the launch of which has been repeatedly delayed due to technical problems and insufficient preparation of member countries.
The agreement, reached at a meeting of interior ministers in Brussels, paves the way for the likely start of the system in the autumn, although the exact date has not yet been set.
Member states now have two options: to launch the new system all at once or to introduce it gradually during a six-month transition period. At the end of the transition period, all registrations at border crossings should be done through EES.
Gradual introduction was not foreseen in the original legislation. However, after a comprehensive meeting in November, it was proposed as a viable alternative to overcome the long-term gridlock and implement the system.
Poland, which currently holds the EU Council presidency, will lead negotiations with the European Parliament on a final agreement on the amended law, which is expected to be smoothly adopted.
"October is our goal," Tomasz Sjemonjak, Poland's Minister of Interior and Administration, said on Wednesday morning.
The system will "provide the services of member states with completely new tools for controlling who enters and leaves the Schengen area, as well as for the police and the border police." "It is an absolutely essential issue," Semenjak pointed out.
What is EES?
EES is a comprehensive reform that dates back to 2016 and has been postponed several times. Its main purpose is to modernize checks at the EU's external borders and replace the traditional physical stamping of passports.
It will be valid for citizens of non-EU countries who come to the Union for visits, holidays or business trips and stay a total of up to 90 days in a period of 180 days.
When the system goes into effect, visitors will be required to hand in their passports upon arrival, along with a facial photograph and electronic fingerprint scan.
All entries and exits from the Schengen area without passport control will be recorded.
Biometric data collection and real-time information sharing should help authorities crack down on those who overstay their short-term visas and commit identity fraud.
All member states, except Cyprus and Ireland, and the four Schengen associated countries - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland - will participate in this program.
Passports in Cyprus and Ireland will continue to be hand stamped.
Source: Euronews
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