Last weekend, the new European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) could be unveiled.
This new system means that when a non-EU citizen enters any of the 29 countries of the free movement zone, Schengen, they must register their full name and nationality, be fingerprinted and have their photograph taken - most likely in a self-service booth.
According to the European Commission, the new system will help prevent irregular migration, help third-country nationals to travel more easily, identify attempts to overstay or abscond. of identity.
However, it was not made operational - neither on 10 November as planned, nor on the backup date of 17 November.It was said that this could happen sometime in the last quarter of this year, and it was not the first time that it was postponed.
Even in 2022 and 2023, the new system was not ready.
When EU interior ministers agreed in October that a November rollout is not possible, it was France, Germany and the Netherlands - three member states with multiple entry points - who blocked it.
An EU diplomat with knowledge of the matter was even harsher, telling Radio Free Europe that the entire system is "weak" and that it was not tested before the official launch.
While EU agency eu-LISA said all EU member states are technically ready, it fears the new system will create chaos in the continent's main hubs, hitting business and tourism massively. border.
This can be done if there is political will, which appears to be there, but it is up to the European Commission to define exactly what the phased approach means.
Meanwhile, many border centers and points will continue to prepare for the system's eventual launch in 2025, adding more automatic barriers and self-service booths, as well as training staff and border guards.
The plan is to proceed with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) about six months later.
This will cover all visa-exempt travelers with the EU, including US and British citizens, but also Ukrainians, Georgians and Moldovans, as well as citizens of Western Balkan countries outside the EU.The authorization, valid for three years, will cost 7 euros and will have to be completed by all persons aged 18 to 70 years.
Exceptions will be made by individuals with visas and residence permits, refugees, holders of diplomatic passports and passengers in transit at airports.