The European Union is accelerating the implementation of the EES digital border control system. The new IT system automates the registration of entry and exit of third-country nationals, improves security and simplifies border crossing. Learn more about the main benefits and next steps

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The European Union is taking another step towards improving the management of its external borders. The European Commission has announced its intention to accelerate the implementation of the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which will provide digital control of border crossings by third-country nationals. According to the statement, the EU member states must implement the system within six months of its approval.

Features of the new system

EES is a modern IT system that automates the registration of data on the entry and exit of third-country nationals arriving in the EU for short-term stays. The list of data to be recorded by the system includes passport information, fingerprints and facial images. Such measures will significantly improve security in the Schengen area.

The main advantages of the EES implementation:

• Facilitating travel to the EU. The system will speed up border crossing procedures by automating controls.

• Combating document fraud. New technologies will make it more difficult to falsify identification data.

• Identification of violators of the residence regime. The system will be able to identify people with overstayed visas.

• Strengthening security. EES will help fight organized crime through better coordination between border services.

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How will it work?

At the first border crossing, a third-country national will be fingerprinted or photographed. All biometric information will be stored in digital format, making it accessible to EU border guards.

An important step will be the interaction between the border agencies of all member states, which will create a single database and simplify information exchange. The system will also improve control for transport companies that cross external borders.

Next steps

The proposal to implement the EES has been submitted to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Once approved, member states will have time to prepare for the new rules. It is expected that the system will be fully operational in the coming years, and in parallel, in 2025, the ETIAS travel authorization system will be introduced. It will apply to third-country nationals who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area.

Why is it important?

The implementation of EES is a key element of the EU's strategy to strengthen security and improve the management of migration flows. The new digital system will not only make border crossing easier for millions of tourists, but also significantly increase the level of control at the EU's external borders.

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