EU’s high-tech border plans hit major snag: EES delayed again!

The European Union has postponed the introduction of its biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), which had been scheduled to launch on 10 November 2024. The delay follows concerns from Germany, France, and the Netherlands regarding their readiness to support the system’s technical requirements. Together, these three countries handle approximately 40% of the passenger traffic that would be impacted by the EES.

The EES is part of the EU’s “Smart Borders” initiative, aimed at streamlining entry and exit procedures for non-EU travellers by digitally linking biometric data—such as fingerprints and facial scans—with travel documents. It was intended to replace the traditional passport-stamping process, enhancing efficiency and security at EU borders. However, a range of technical and logistical challenges has led to this postponement.

A key challenge cited by Germany, France, and the Netherlands is the readiness of the central IT infrastructure overseen by EU-Lisa, the EU’s IT agency responsible for large-scale IT systems in security and justice. Border officials reported that necessary equipment, including biometric registration tools at ports and other points of entry, remains unavailable in several locations, particularly in France. Ports in Normandy have highlighted their inability to complete required installations, noting a lack of essential IT systems to support biometric checks.

Since its original target launch in 2021, the EES has faced repeated delays. The implementation was initially postponed to May 2023 and then again to late 2023, before being scheduled for November 2024. The European Commission has not yet provided a new date for the rollout, though it is considering a phased introduction to mitigate the impact of further delays. This approach would involve launching the system in selected locations before expanding EU-wide.

The EES is also closely linked to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is now also delayed until 2025 due to its dependence on the EES infrastructure. ETIAS will require travellers from visa-exempt countries to register their travel information before entering the Schengen Area. This interdependence has added complexity to the EES rollout, impacting the EU’s broader plans to modernise and strengthen its border controls.

The system is expected to change how non-EU nationals enter the Schengen Area by replacing manual passport stamping with digital biometric records, which would be collected at border crossings. These records would then be retained in an electronic system, allowing for easier identification of travellers and reducing the likelihood of passport fraud. However, for now, the traditional manual process will continue, retaining existing inefficiencies.

The ongoing delay in implementing the EES highlights the logistical difficulties involved in coordinating such a large-scale technological initiative across multiple countries, each with different levels of infrastructure and readiness. Technical issues with ensuring the stability and security of the IT system, along with concerns over the potential for long queues at border crossings, have contributed to the repeated postponements.

As the European Union works to address these challenges, border authorities are required to adjust their operational plans and training programmes to accommodate the continuing use of manual passport controls. The delay also has financial implications, as border authorities must manage additional costs related to the ongoing preparations and the temporary continuation of existing processes.

The success or failure of the EES will have significant implications for the EU’s broader immigration and border security policies. As the EU grapples with ongoing security challenges and irregular migration, the ability to coordinate and implement major projects like the EES will be critical in shaping future policy directions and approaches to border management across the region.