Europe Fails to Fully Implement EES on Schedule

Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Malta, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium have requested additional time to fully implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) at the EU’s external borders.

Nine countries have asked Brussels for an extension to complete the rollout of biometric checks at busy airports and border crossings for travelers arriving from outside the European Union.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) was scheduled to be fully operational as of September 6 at Schengen’s external borders.

Spain, which experienced difficulties during the initial phase, is now fully implementing the system.

Under the EES, travelers from outside the EU are subject to digital registration and biometric checks, including the collection of fingerprints and facial images, when entering or leaving the Schengen Area.

According to EU sources, approximately 200 million records have been created under the EES so far. Around 70,000 people who did not meet the entry requirements for the Schengen Area have been denied entry.

Source: Artı49