The gradual rollout of the new entry-exit system to the EU, the introduction of which has been discussed and prepared for a long time, was supported by the European Parliament. The changes will also affect Ukrainians.
New EU entry system: European Parliament gives green light
On July 8, 572 MEPs voted “yes” to support the gradual introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), a new digital border system for non-EU citizens to cross the external borders of the European Union. The new system will be implemented within 180 days, the Press Service of the European Parliament.
The gradual implementation of the system is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025.
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When the system is launched, it will record basic data on travellers who are third-country nationals and who use short-term visas or enter under a visa-free regime when crossing the border. The name, type of document, border crossing location and biometric data will be recorded there.
A gradual rollout of the system is planned over 180 days to avoid problems during the introduction of innovations. During the initial period of implementation, it is possible to stop the system if there are technical problems or too long queues. Member states can decide for themselves whether to start the implementation gradually or to register all border crossings at once.
Based on the agreed plan, by the 30th day of the system’s deployment, it should register 10% of border crossings, by the 90th day – 35%, and by the 170th day – all.
After the European Parliament, the new rules must still be formally approved by the EU Council, after which the law will be published in the Official Journal of the EU, after which it will enter into force on the third day.
New rules for entry into the EU: what will change for Ukrainians
The EES system will automatically record the entry and exit of all foreigners to the Schengen area countries. This applies to all non-EU citizens, including Ukrainians, regardless of whether they have a visa or not, writes Order portal.
Now, instead of stamps in the passport, there is a face and fingerprint scan.
It is noted that upon first entry, biometric data will be taken from the foreigner: fingerprints and a photo of the face.
The time it takes to cross the border may increase by approximately 40 seconds while these individuals are being collected.
Biometric data will be stored for 3 years and you will not need to submit it again.
“If you refuse biometrics, you will be denied entry,” the government portal notes.
From now on, every time you cross the border, you will need to scan your passport at a self-service terminal.
Why is the EU introducing EES?
First of all, this is done to simplify border crossings, as well as to enhance security using biometric documents. In addition, the system will be a mechanism to prevent the use of fake passports and combat illegal migration.
Let us recall that the new EU border crossing rules were supposed to be introduced in November 2024, but then everything was put on hold. The corresponding document for the launch of the system was being finalized over the next few months.
