Delays Continue for EU's Entry/Exit System Rollout
The European Union's initiative to modernize border checks is facing further setbacks, with the Entry/Exit System (EES) now postponed indefinitely. Originally slated to launch on November 10, 2024, the project will not proceed as planned, leaving many questions unanswered.
EU Home Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced the delay during a meeting of EU interior ministers on October 10th. The EES is designed to replace traditional manual passport stamping with automated biometric checks, streamlining the entry process for travelers. However, key member states—Germany, France, and the Netherlands — have indicated that their border computer systems are not ready for the upcoming deadline. These three countries represent about 40% of the passenger traffic that will be affected by the EES, making their preparedness crucial for a successful rollout.
This delay marks the latest in a series of setbacks for the EES, which was initially intended to launch in 2022. Despite the cancellation of the November date, no new timeline has been established. Johansson has expressed optimism that the system can be implemented “as soon as possible,” but emphasized that progress depends on ongoing legal assessments and technical readiness. Johansson also advised that the EU is now exploring the option of rolling out the EES in phases.