EU Tightens Migration Controls with New Biometric Border Surveillance

The system will automatically record the time and place of entry and exit, using fingerprints and facial recognition to verify identities. It replaces manual passport stamping and will help authorities track whether travelers have overstayed their permitted period in the EU.

Developed by the European agency eu-LISA, EES will give member states real-time access to data on third-country nationals’ travel history and current legal status within the EU.

“For the first time, we will have complete and reliable real-time information on who is entering and exiting the Schengen area,” said EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner in a statement, calling it a crucial measure to close security gaps.

The system will be introduced gradually over six months:

• In the first two months, member states may operate EES without biometric input.

• From month three, at least 35% of border crossings must use the new system.

• Full biometric operation is expected by the end of the six-month transition, after which manual passport stamping will be phased out.

A final start date for the rollout has not been set and will require a separate decision by the European Commission. The current agreement between EU institutions must still be formally approved by the European Council and European Parliament.

Will the Entry/Exit System improve EU security as intended? Could it lead to longer border wait times during the rollout? Is the balance between surveillance and privacy being managed properly?