Germany, the Netherlands and France call on the EU to postpone biometric control at external borders
Several European Union countries have asked to delay the introduction of a biometric control system at external borders, known as the Entry-Exit System (EES), because airlines and airports are not ready to implement it. It is reported Financial Times.
It said Germany, the Netherlands and France are not yet sufficiently prepared to introduce EES, which airline and airport associations say will cause “massive problems” for passengers. These three countries provide 40% of the total passenger traffic in the European Union.
Germany’s interior ministry said the main problem lies in the central computer system, under the control of the eu-LISA agency, which “has not yet reached the required level of stability and functionality”. Some EU members suggest that the European Commission consider alternatives to the implementation of the EES, for example, to start with a test launch in certain pilot regions, followed by a gradual expansion to other areas.
The UK government is also concerned about possible queues at English Channel ports and Eurostar high-speed train stations at London St Pancras Airport, where passengers will have to register with the EES when going through French customs. The European Commission told the Financial Times that it is working to roll out border checks as planned, but admits that rolling out the system is a “complex operation and delays may occur”.
Recall that the “Entry-Exit System” (EES) will require all non-EU nationals to pass immigration control at airports and provide their personal data, including fingerprints and a facial scan, upon first entry to the European Union. The introduction of EES is scheduled for November 10.
In addition, the spokeswoman of the European Commission recently reported that by the spring of 2025, the EU also plans to implement the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), which will require travelers from visa-free countries to pay a fee of 7 euros once every three years to authorize their trips
