The proposed electronic Schengen entry system encounters further delays, with Germany contributing to the hold-up.
The Intended Implementation of an Entry-Exit System (EES) for November, which digitally logs the entrance and departure of non-EU citizens within the Schengen zone, has encountered setbacks. According to EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson during a meeting with interior ministers in Luxembourg on Thursday, Germany, France, and the Netherlands are yet to prepare for this transition. The main objective of EES is to boost the monitoring of incoming and outgoing individuals.
The initial date of November 10th for EES activation has been called into question, Johansson continued. eu-Lisa, the responsible organization, is also not yet equipped for the new system, she admitted. A new activation date has not been decided upon yet.
The Schengen countries strive to digitally log incoming and outgoing individuals through EES. Instead of conventional passport stamps, biometric details such as fingerprints will be utilized, providing member states prompt access to relevant data. This system aims to combat transnational crime and terrorism, as well as strengthen border management.
The proposed system has triggered controversy, primarily in the UK, where there are worries that UK access to the Schengen area may be held up during the entry process.
Despite the setbacks, non-EU citizens traveling through the Schengen zone should still anticipate traditional passport stamps until the deployment of the EES is finalized. It's crucial to note that not all EU member states have yet adapted to using the non-EU citizens' biometric data within the EES system.
