EU plans new electronic entry system

Brussels – In order to better control irregular migration, the EU wants to pave the way for a new electronic entry system.

Representatives of the European Parliament and the governments of the EU member states agreed in Brussels on a gradual launch of the so-called Entry/Exit System (EES), it was stated in a communication. The system is intended to automatically record which non-EU citizens enter or exit an EU member state – using biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images.

The new entry system aims to better control irregular migration and make identity fraud more difficult. The database is supposed to indicate, among other things, whether individuals are staying in the Schengen area longer than permitted. Member states will be able to access travel data and residency status of third-country nationals in real-time.

Germany is among the EU member states that are particularly determined to combat irregular migration. Despite significant criticism from the EU Commission and some neighboring countries, the German federal government has extended stationary border controls until mid-September.

Border controls in the Schengen area are actually not provided for. The federal government justifies the measure with the ongoing problem of illegal migration as well as the necessity to better protect against Islamist terrorism and cross-border crime.

Digital Border Post with Transition Phase

A six-month introduction phase is planned: In the first two months, states may operate the system without biometric data. From the third month, at least 35 percent of EU border crossings should go through the new system. The complete transition should take place no later than after half a year. Until then, manual stamping will continue to be used in addition.

The EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner emphasized that the entry system should help close existing gaps.

“For the first time, we will have complete, reliable real-time information about who enters and exits the Schengen area”

Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration

A specific start date for the new system has not yet been set – according to the communication from the EU states, a separate decision from the Commission is necessary. The agreement reached now still needs to be formally confirmed by the Council and the Parliament. (May 19)