The European Union postpones the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

The European Union has again decided to postpone the introduction of the new entry/exit system (EES), the launch of which was scheduled for November 10, 2024. At the same time, the provisional start date for the ETIAS authorization system remains at the second quarter of 2025, but it will take effect six months after the EES is launched.

The EU's official EES website now states that the system will be launched in 2025. However, no further clarification on the specific start date has been provided. No implementation date for the system has yet been considered as some countries are not yet ready. Germany, France and the Netherlands have reported that their systems are not yet fully ready, so further implementation of the process is not possible at this time. These countries have a significant share of cross-border traffic falling under the new system and the necessary technology to implement it is not yet available. As a result, the system is not fully operational, which hinders further implementation.

EES is an automated information system that changes the approach to registration of non-EU nationals when traveling to European countries for short periods of time. The system aims to improve security, streamline border procedures, and collect accurate information on travelers' movements across the EU's external borders.

Despite the lack of a new start date, the EU is still actively working on the introduction of the entry/exit system. Member states are required to harmonize their border control systems and ensure that the necessary technology is ready. Only once these steps are completed can the new EES be launched. In the meantime, the current border control rules and procedures remain in place, ensuring security and order at EU borders.

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