As the Schengen Area marks 40 years of borderless travel, the European Parliament and Commission are accelerating efforts to modernize EU border controls with the gradual rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES).

Designed to replace passport stamps with biometric verification and reduce wait times, the EES marks a pivotal shift toward a fully digital and secure border infrastructure across Europe.

Digital border reform gains momentum

The European Union is taking a major step to modernize how it handles border security. Lawmakers are endorsing a gradual roll-out of the EES—a digital tool that will log entries and exits at Schengen borders.

This system replaces old passport stamps with biometric checks, including facial scans and fingerprints. It is part of the EU’s broader effort to tighten security without compromising free movement.

Backed by the Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament, the plan aims to launch the EES gradually over 180 days.

On day one, at least 10% of border checks will use the system. That number should rise to 50% by day 90 and reach full use by the end of the period.

If lines become too long or technical issues arise, authorities can suspend the rollout temporarily.

MEPs urge flexible implementation

Not all EU countries are equally ready for this change. Some still lack the necessary tech infrastructure.

That is why Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are pushing for more flexibility. They want countries to hit only 10% usage by day 30, not day one, and 35% by day 90 instead of 50%.

This phased approach helps avoid overwhelming the system early on.

“The purpose of the [EES] is to make EU citizens safer,” said Belgian MEP Assita Kanko, who led the push in Parliament.

“Security threats have only increased since the law passed eight years ago. Not every country is ready, but this step helps us move forward as soon as we can.”

Digital travel system part of bigger picture

The EES is just one piece of a broader digital border upgrade. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is also in the works.

Both systems aim to reduce border crossing violations while keeping the Schengen Area open and efficient. Together, they form the backbone of what the European Commission calls a safer, more modern Europe.

In the Fourth State of Schengen Report, the Commission emphasized the need for rapid implementation of both EES and ETIAS.

It called Schengen the “backbone of the EU’s internal market” and highlighted the importance of border digitalization to prevent security risks.

Obstacles remain ahead of full launch

Despite the urgency, several member states still face hurdles. Outdated technology, staff shortages, and limited experience with biometric systems could delay implementation.

The Commission acknowledges these issues and urges all actors, including national authorities and the EU’s IT agency, eu-LISA, to stay on course.

This transformation marks a first for EU border checks: all non-EU travelers on short stays will have their biometric data recorded and stored in a central database.

These records will be accessible across the Schengen Area, helping countries track overstays and verify identities more efficiently​.

Security and rights must co-exist

As with any major data collection effort, privacy advocates have concerns. While the EES promises stronger border control, it also raises questions about data protection and individual rights.

The Commission insists on keeping these concerns in check by upholding high standards for security and transparency.

In response, lawmakers added clauses to ensure contingency planning and avoid system overloads during peak travel months like summer and winter holidays.

That way, travelers won’t face longer delays during already busy times​.

Schengen turns 40 with an eye on the future

This shift comes during a milestone year. Schengen marks 40 years since the agreement that opened internal EU borders.

Over that time, it’s grown into the world’s largest free-travel zone, with over half a billion annual visitors.

As Commissioner Magnus Brunner noted, “Schengen is one of the greatest expressions of what European cooperation can deliver. But to stay strong, we must modernize it.”

The Commission plans to discuss next steps at the June Schengen Council, setting priorities for 2025–2026. Officials hope to finalize related legislation quickly so the system can go live in the coming months.

Schengen’s digital future hinges on unified action

As Europe stands at a pivotal crossroads in the evolution of border security, the gradual implementation of the EES represents not just a technological leap but a collective reaffirmation of unity and preparedness. 

The EU’s resolve to balance innovation with security, as emphasized in both parliamentary and Commission reports, signals a future where digital borders safeguard freedoms rather than restrict them.

Yet success hinges on swift, coordinated adoption by all member states—delays could risk the credibility of one of the EU’s most cherished achievements.

As Schengen turns 40, the call is clear: modernization must march hand in hand with solidarity. The true strength of Europe lies not just in its vision, but in the resolve to make it real​.