EU Pushes Back EES Border System Launch Again

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Image courtesy of Sahar Ahmed via Wikimedia Commons

Travel to Europe will remain unchanged for now as the European Union (EU) delays its new border control system. The Entry/Exit System (EES), set to start November 10, faces another postponement due to technical challenges.

November launch date scrapped

The EU has officially delayed the implementation of its Entry/Exit System (EES) once again.

The ambitious border control project, which aims to modernize and digitize entry procedures for non-EU travelers, will not launch on November 10th as previously announced.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed the delay during a meeting of EU interior ministers on Thursday, October 10th.

“November 10 is no longer on the table,” Johansson stated, adding that there is currently no new timeline for the system’s launch.

This marks the latest in a series of setbacks for the EES, which was originally slated to begin operations in 2022.

Key EU countries signal unreadiness for EES launch

The decision to postpone the EES rollout comes after Germany, France, and the Netherlands expressed concerns about their ability to implement the system by the November deadline.

These three nations handle approximately 40% of non-EU passenger traffic entering the Schengen Area, making their readiness crucial for the system’s success.

A German Interior Ministry spokesperson highlighted that the central system to be provided by EU-Lisa, the EU agency responsible for managing large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security, and justice, was not yet in place.

This lack of core infrastructure has left member states unable to fully prepare their border checkpoints for the new procedures.

Technical challenges prompt shift to phased approach

In light of the difficulties faced by member states, the European Commission is now considering a gradual implementation of the EES.

Commissioner Johansson outlined plans for a “phased approach” that would see the system rolled out “step by step” rather than all at once.

This strategy marks a significant departure from the original “big bang” approach, which envisioned simultaneous implementation across all Schengen border crossings.

The shift towards a more gradual rollout aims to address concerns about potential disruptions to travel and trade, particularly at busy border points.

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What is EES?

When eventually implemented, the EES will fundamentally change how non-EU nationals enter the Schengen Area for short stays.

The automated IT system will replace the current practice of manually stamping passports, instead relying on a combination of databases and biometric data to track entries and exits.

Under the EES, travelers will be required to submit biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, along with standard biographical information.

This data will be stored for three years, allowing authorities to better monitor border crossings, identify overstayers, and enhance security measures.

Concerns over potential travel disruptions drive delay

The decision to postpone the EES launch reflects broader concerns about the system’s potential impact on travel flows, particularly at major entry points.

The Port of Dover in the UK, a key gateway for travelers entering France, has been a focal point of these worries.

Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at Logistics UK, highlighted that no proper testing of the system has yet taken place at Dover.

“The UK’s supply chain is reliant on the export and import of goods when they are needed — delays could have a significant impact on the availability of goods,” Mallon warned.

EU considers legal amendments to facilitate EES implementation

The European Commission is exploring potential changes to the legal framework governing the system to address the challenges posed by the EES rollout.  

Commissioner Johansson announced that a legal assessment would be conducted to consider “some very targeted amendments” to EU rules on the EES.

These amendments could provide more flexibility in how and where biometric data is collected, addressing concerns about bottlenecks at border crossings.

One possibility under consideration is allowing travelers to pre-register their biometric data through an app or at secure locations away from ports and airports.

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Travel industry welcomes EES delay

The announcement of the EES postponement has been met with relief from various travel industry sectors.

Christina Brazier, head of industry affairs at AITO, a specialist travel association, expressed support for the European Commission’s decision.

“We welcome the European Commission’s decision to delay the implementation of the Entry/Exit System in light of the many unresolved questions and concerns raised by Member States,” Brazier stated.

She emphasized that the delay provides valuable time for member states to prepare and for the EU to clarify outstanding issues.

Investment in infrastructure continues despite delay

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the EES launch date, preparations for the system’s eventual implementation continue.

In the UK, the government has pledged a total of £10.5 million to support infrastructure upgrades at key border crossings.

The Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone, and the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras International will each receive £3.5 million to install the necessary technology for the required checks.

EU explores alternative solutions for EES implementation

As the EU grapples with implementing the EES, officials are considering various options to make the system more manageable.

One possibility being explored is developing a new app allowing travelers to pre-register at least some of their data before reaching the border. However, there are no firm indications of when such an app might become available.

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EES to affect ETIAS timeline

The postponement of the EES launch will have varying implications for different categories of travelers to the EU.

The delay means that short-term visitors, including tourists and business travelers, will continue following the current entry procedures, with passports manually stamped upon entry and exit.

Long-term visitors and migrants may find their entry processes largely unaffected by the EES delay, as the system primarily targets short-stay travelers.

However, the eventual implementation of the EES could indirectly impact these groups by reducing wait times at border crossings once the system is fully operational.

The EES delay also affects the timeline for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a pre-travel authorization system for visa-exempt travelers.

The ETIAS, which relies on the EES infrastructure, will likely see its launch pushed back due to the EES postponement.

Effect on immigration policy

The repeated delays in implementing the EES have implications for broader EU immigration policy.

While the core objectives of enhancing border security and reducing irregular migration remain unchanged, the postponement highlights the challenges of harmonizing border control procedures across the diverse Schengen Area.

EU member states may need to reassess their individual approaches to border management in light of the EES delays.

Some countries may invest in interim measures to enhance their border control capabilities while waiting for the EES to become operational.

The delays also provide an opportunity for EU policymakers to refine the system’s design and address concerns raised by member states and stakeholders.

This could potentially lead to a more robust and effective border control system when it is eventually implemented.

Complexity of EU border management

The latest postponement of the Entry/Exit System shows the intricate challenges involved in modernizing border control procedures across the European Union.

While the delay may cause short-term uncertainty, it also provides an opportunity for thorough testing and refinement of the system.

As the EU continues to work towards implementing the EES, travelers can expect the current border procedures to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

However, the ongoing investment in infrastructure and technology signals that significant changes to EU border control are on the horizon, even if the exact timeline remains uncertain.

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