UPDATED at 9:35, 15 October 2024
EU Home Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced during an EU interior ministers’ meeting on 10th October that the planned launch of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) on 10th November 2024 has been postponed.
The delay comes as several key member states, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands, confirmed that their border systems would not be ready to implement the automated biometric checks required by the new system.
No new deadline has been set for the launch, leaving uncertainty over when the system will be fully operational
Original article published on 3. October 2024
The system was originally due to be introduced at the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar in November.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) would require travellers entering the EU from non-EU countries, including the UK, to register their details and provide biometric data. While the official deadline remains unchanged, technical challenges have raised questions about the possibility of a ‘soft launch’ for the system.
In particular, passengers are expected to use handheld devices to register their details. However, the port of Dover has yet to receive the equipment needed to carry out these checks, preventing meaningful testing of the system, according to the BBC.
A European Commission spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that the implementation of such a complex system is subject to potential delays.
The UK government told the BBC that it is working with the European Commission, France and local authorities to ensure the country is ready.