European Union member states began implementing a new entry and exit system at their external borders on Sunday. The system involves the electronic registration of data of third-country nationals.
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The EU on Sunday began the gradual implementation of a new electronic border control system, known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), which involves registering the fingerprints of people from third-party countries and taking their photographs before they enter 29 European countries
Although the automated system's introduction started on Sunday, the whole process will take about six months to be fully implemented across all EU Member States.
Major airports in Italy, including those of Fiumicino and Malpensa airports and the ports of Genoa and Civitavecchia, on Sunday began the use of the new system, while Germany began its gradual phase in Stuttgart.
According to the EU Commission, the new digital system aims to identify visa overstayers and counter illegal migration and identity fraud. Its launch came as a result of growing political pressure in many EU countries calling on the Union to take a tougher stance on migration issues.
"The Entry/Exit System is the digital backbone of our new common European framework on migration and asylum," European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said in a statement.
"Any third-country national who crosses the external border will be subject to identity verification, security checks and registration in EU databases," - Brunner added.
He stressed that "the six-month implementation period gives Member States, travellers and businesses time to adjust smoothly to the new procedures".
The implementation of the scheme means that from now on, non-EU citizens will have to register their biometric data when they first enter the Schengen area.
The system will cover all EU countries except Ireland and Cyprus, as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. For subsequent travel, only biometric verification of identity will be required.
The EES is expected to be fully operational on 10 April 2026, when the traditional stamps in passports will be completely replaced by electronic entries.