According to a French transport industry leader, the European Union’s (EU’s) long-awaited new digital border system could face more delays.
This is likely due to the legislative process involved in the new proposed phased implementation.
The Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to modernize border controls and improve security, was initially planned for a 2022 launch.
However, the system’s rollout has been postponed multiple times as technological issues persist.
The latest target launch date of 11 November has been put off the table for a phased launch in 2025.
New digital border system delay issue
The EES is designed to streamline border crossings, enhance security, and prevent visa overstays.
The new digital border system will replace manual passport stamping for non-EU citizens and residents at all of the EU’s external borders.
Instead, the new digital border system will record all entries and exits in the Schengen Area through biometric data.
This means that non-EU travelers must submit fingerprint and facial scans every time they visit and leave the bloc.
However, launching the EES requires all EU Member States to align their systems and procedures, which has proven challenging.
The project’s rollout now depends on new EU legislation permitting a phased implementation.
This 6,000-word draft regulation must be approved by both the EU Council and Parliament.
Only after their approval can an estimated start date be set, despite the EES official website confirming a 2025 launch date.
A French transport industry leader estimated that legislative approval could take “at least two years,” as per The Connexion’s report.
Still, the European Council insists the scheme must be launched “well before 2027.”
The eu-LISA, the agency responsible for large-scale IT systems, must provide a new roadmap by 31 January 2025 to help set expectations.
However, the details of this roadmap remain unclear due to the necessary approval steps involved.
Until this process is complete and all participating countries confirm readiness, the system cannot launch.
EES’s technical and operational challenges
Beyond legislative hurdles, technical readiness has been another significant issue.
France, the Netherlands, and Germany had previously failed to declare readiness and raised concerns about the ‘resilience’ of EES IT systems.
In October, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson admitted that the November 2024 launch date was no longer viable.
She explained, “We need to ensure every element of the system is ready and secure before moving forward.”
Additionally, concerns about the resilience and stability of the EES infrastructure have further delayed progress.
Eurostar had already prepared its biometric scanners and equipment for the November 2024 launch.
However, it encountered difficulties when sharing biometric data with the EU’s system, disrupting the digital border system.
The eu-LISA is expected to perform more tests to check the server’s reliability of the server storing travelers’ data.
It must ensure that the system operates smoothly and can handle large volumes of data efficiently.
A phased rollout—potentially starting with specific regions or traveler categories—has been proposed and is now awaiting approval.
Impact on travelers
For non-EU travelers, the delay in launching the EES means that manual passport stamping shall continue.
The delayed benefits of the EES, such as quicker border crossings and improved security, have frustrated some travelers.
Frequent visitors to the Schengen Area have expressed concern about the uncertainty in the implementation timeline.
The new system is also expected to initially cause some disruptions, with longer waiting times as both officials get used to the new system.
However, the EU remains committed and hopeful that the delays can help EU Member Countries and neighboring countries, like the United Kingdom (UK), be more prepared to perform digital border checks.
Officials are optimistic that a phased rollout will allow the system to function gradually while addressing remaining issues.
The EU Council has stressed the importance of launching the system sooner rather than later.
“The EES represents a critical step in modernizing EU border controls,” Johansson said.
She added, “While these delays are disappointing, we must ensure the system works for everyone.”
Travelers are advised to keep updated with announcements on its implementation, especially as more border changes are expected.
The EU plans to launch its European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) six months after the EES goes live.
The UK will also launch its new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme for more non-visa visitors in January 2025.
During the 2025 border check changes, travelers should expect longer waiting times and remain patient until all issues are resolved.