Negotiating teams from the European Parliament and the Polish presidency of the Council have reached an agreement on how to introduce the Entry-Exit System (EES) at the EU’s external borders.

Once operational, the system will register data, including biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints, of third‑country nationals entering and leaving the Schengen area on short‑stay visas. The aim is to improve security, speed up the border check process, and reduce queues.

Roll-out over 180 days

The idea behind gradual implementation over 180 days is to prevent a simultaneous launch in all countries from compromising the system. During the roll-out period, the launch could be temporarily suspended if waiting times become too long or there are technical issues.

The co-legislators adjusted the Commission’s original proposal for the plan’s timeline: 10% of crossings must be recorded in the system by the 30th day (as opposed to the 1st day) and 35% by the 90th day (as…