EU Home Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced that the Entry-Exit System (EES), which aims to replace manual passport stamping with automated biometric checks, will not launch on 10 November 2024 as planned. This is the latest in a series of delays for the project, which was first set to begin in 2022.

Germany, France, and the Netherlands told the EU that their border computer systems would not be ready in time for the November deadline. These countries account for about 40% of passenger traffic affected by the change, so their readiness is essential for the rollout.

Although the EU has cancelled the November launch date for the EES, it has not set a new start date. The timeline depends on ongoing legal reviews and technical preparations. 

Given the difficulties, Johansson suggested that the EU may roll out the EES gradually. This plan would start with a few border crossing points and then expand to cover all areas. The European Commission is working on the legal assessments needed to allow this approach.

For further details, please read the press release on schengen.news or on etias.com.