The European Union has reached an agreement on the launch of the automated Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to register short-term travelers. The introduction of this system had been previously delayed due to technical difficulties and insufficient readiness.
The agreement reached in Brussels allows member states to either immediately start using the new system or implement it gradually over six months. At the end of this transition period, all border crossings must be registered through the EES.
Initially, legislation did not provide for a phased introduction, but this option was proposed as a compromise solution following consultations in November. Now, Poland, which currently holds the rotating EU Council presidency, will lead negotiations with the European Parliament to finalize the legislative amendments.
Polish Minister of the Interior Tomasz Siemoniak expressed confidence that the system would be operational by autumn. He emphasized that it would provide border guards and law enforcement agencies with new tools to monitor border crossings.
EES is an initiative launched in 2016 to modernize controls at the EU’s external borders. It will replace traditional passport stamps and allow for the electronic recording of travelers’ entries and exits.
