The European Union is delaying the introduction of a new biometric entry control system for citizens of non-member countries EU. It was previously reported that the system will start working on November 10, 2024.
Reuters quotes EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson:
“November 10 is no longer on the table.”
According to her, there is no new schedule yet, but the possibility of a phased introduction is being considered.
How told our previous edition, the system will record fingerprints and facial photos of people crossing the border once and store them for three years: During this time, stamps in the passport will no longer be needed. Registration will occur automatically through self-service terminals.
When a person travels abroad, first of all, border guards will take biometric data. If he refuses to provide them, he will be denied permission to cross the border. At each subsequent border crossing, you will only need to scan your passport at the self-service terminal. New border crossing rules do not mean the abolition of the visa-free regime.
A spokesman for the German Interior Ministry said the three countries, which account for 40% of passenger traffic, not ready to implement EES:
“The necessary stability and functionality of the central EES system that the EU agency EU-Lisa should provide has not yet been achieved.”
EU-Lisa is the agency responsible for the implementation of large-scale IT systems in the EU. The French Ministry of the Interior stated that while France is convinced of the usefulness of the EES, its implementation must be properly prepared.
The introduction of the system has been postponed for the third time. It was due to be introduced last summer, but France has expressed concerns it would have a negative impact on the hosting of the Rugby World Cup last autumn and the Olympic Games this summer. It was moved to October 6 this year and then delayed again until November amid concerns about disruption to EU travel during the school season.
Earlier, the press secretary of the European Commission informed that the EU also plans to introduce the ETIAS system by spring 2025 (European Travel Information and Authorization System), which will lead to the obligation of travelers from visa-free countries to pay a fee of 7 euros every three years to authorize their trips. However, due to the postponement of EES, the implementation of ETIAS is also postponed indefinitely.
More Stories
Rapper P. Diddy accused of human trafficking, rape and other crimes
In Germany, a Georgian gang was uncovered that exported stolen goods through Georgian Post.
An American woman in a rage tore Greek flags in New Jersey, confusing them with Israeli ones.