On 29 December 2017, 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union of 9 December 2019, the Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 of 30 November 2017 establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) as well as the amendments needed to integrate the new Entry/Exit System into the Schengen Borders Code entered into force.

The entry/exit system will replace the current system of manual stamping of passports and will electronically register the name, type of travel document, biometrics and the date and place of entry and exit of third-country nationals visiting the Schengen area for a short stay. The system aims to reduce border check delays, ensure reliable identification of overstayers, in addition to strengthening internal security and the fight against terrorism.

The European Agency for the Operational Management of large-scale IT systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA), together with the Member States, is expected to start building the new system, which should  be operational by 2020.

For more information on the entry/exit system:

• See the European Commission Factsheet on the entry/exit system
• See the European Parliament briefing: Smart Borders: EU Entry/ Exit System from 12 January 2018

For more information on the Interoperability of EU information systems for security, border and migration management, click here.

Several stakeholders have been expressing critical views on the entry/exit system and broadly on the smart borders package”, especially relating to data protection, fundamental rights and costs related issues.

For more views and analysis in this matter:

• See Odysseus Conference 2017 – WS 3 European Databases: Setting Limits under Judicial scrutiny
• See ADDE newsletter n°137 from December 2017 (only in French)