EU Biometric Border Systems Delayed Until 2025

The Schengen zone’s planned biometric Entry-Exit System has officially been postponed to 2025, according to European officials.

The European Union’s biometric border rules, specifically the EES and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), have encountered significant delays in their implementation. These systems are designed to enhance European security and streamline border crossings. The EES will register all travelers entering Europe for short stays, collecting facial images, fingerprints, and other travel document data. Meanwhile, ETIAS introduces a pre-travel screening system for visa-exempt countries, requiring travelers to apply for authorization before entering the EU.

Originally scheduled to roll out in 2021, both systems have faced repeated setbacks. The EES was expected to be operational by November 2024, but it has been postponed due to logistical and infrastructural readiness issues. In October, the EU announced that both programs were being postponed, with the new target date set for 2025. This delay follows a series of previous postponements, as highlighted in our earlier coverage, such as the eu-LISA Head’s update on the biometric border system.

The delays are primarily attributed to the readiness of some member states. For instance, France, Germany, and the Netherlands were not prepared to implement the EES by September 2024. Frontex’s Deputy Executive Director, Uku Särekanno, stated that the system has been postponed because of the readiness of some member states. Frontex, known for its role in European border management, has been actively involved in providing research and expertise to the European Commission, as detailed in our article on Frontex’s border security research.

To address these challenges, the European Commission is considering a “progressive” approach to rolling out the EES. This approach would allow member states to deploy the system gradually, providing a period of adjustment for authorities and travelers while ensuring the security and efficiency of border checks. The Commission’s consideration of a phased deployment aligns with its broader digital initiatives, such as the proposed Digital Travel application for modernizing border control.

The implementation of these systems may cause delays, especially during peak travel seasons. Biometric checks could take up to four times longer than the current system, according to some estimates. There are concerns about potential disruptions, particularly during the early months of operation. This echoes concerns raised in our previous report on the European Commission’s comments on EES launch dates.

ETIAS is expected to be implemented in the first half of 2025. Travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS authorization before their trip, which will cost €7 and be valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. This system aims to enhance security by pre-screening travelers, a significant step in the EU’s broader strategy to secure its borders.

Uku Särekanno, Frontex’s Deputy Executive Director, commented, “The entry-exit system, supposed to go live last week, [has been] postponed because of the readiness of some of the member states.” He added, “But it is coming,” and emphasized the need for a gradual deployment.

A European Commission spokesperson stated, “This would allow for a period of adjustment for authorities and travelers while ensuring the security and efficiency of border checks on the external borders.” The spokesperson also mentioned that the Commission has been assessing the feasibility of a progressive approach since the request by the eu-LISA Management Board on 25 September.

The delays in implementing the EU’s biometric border rules reflect the complexity of introducing wide-scale tech systems across a large region. While these systems aim to enhance security and streamline border control, their initial implementation may cause disruptions. The progressive approach to deploying the EES and the upcoming ETIAS system are designed to mitigate these challenges and ensure smoother travel experiences in the long term. As the European Union continues to navigate these complexities, stakeholders remain hopeful that these systems will ultimately lead to more secure and efficient border management.

Source: Euractiv

November 22, 2024 – by Ji-seo Kim