EU set to launch advanced biometric border system in October after delays

The European Union is set to launch its long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, marking a critical step forward in monitoring the movement of hundreds of millions of people entering its borders annually.

The phased rollout will require all 29 participating countries to fully implement the system within six months, says an official statement released by the European Commission, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The EES is designed to register biometric data—including fingerprints and facial images—of non-EU nationals entering the EU, aiming to streamline the entry process while simultaneously enhancing border security. By creating a digital record of arrivals and departures, the system intends to reduce illegal entry and combat identity fraud more effectively.

Initially slated to be operational by November of the previous year, the rollout was postponed due to several member states’ lack of readiness and concerns from travel industry groups. These associations cautioned against rushing the implementation, warning that a hasty launch could trigger widespread disruptions at airports and other points of entry.

The European Commission reaffirmed the significance of the project in its announcement: “With the launch of the EES in October, the EU is taking a significant step towards achieving its goal of creating a more secure and efficient border management system.”

The implementation of the EES follows recent critical audits exposing security vulnerabilities in the EU’s existing border control framework. Officials emphasize that this advanced biometric system will strengthen the EU’s ability to manage external borders, improve traveler processing, and bolster overall security.

As EU member states prepare for the transition, authorities are focusing on training personnel and upgrading infrastructure to ensure a smooth integration of the new technology. The success of the system will be closely monitored as it becomes an integral part of the EU’s broader migration and security strategy.

By Vafa Guliyeva