EU launches biometric border control system

The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties has approved the gradual rollout of the Entry-Exit System (EES) at the EU’s external borders. This information was published on the European Parliament’s website.

The decision was adopted with 54 votes in favor, 2 against, and 10 abstentions. The system will record personal and biometric data of third-country nationals, including fingerprints and facial images, upon entry and exit from the Schengen Area using short-term visas.

The main goal is to enhance security and reduce waiting times at the borders.

According to the plan, the EES will be launched over 180 days: on day one — registration of at least 10% of crossings, by day 90 — 50%, and by completion — 100%.

MEPs propose giving member states more flexibility, such as allowing them to reach 10% only by day 30. It is also recommended to avoid launch during peak seasons.

The system was developed by the eu-LISA agency and will replace passport stamps with digital records. Negotiations with the EU Council will begin after the European Parliament’s plenary adoption of its position.

It also became known that the Council of the European Union approved an agreement with Canada on the transfer of airline passenger data (PNR) to combat terrorism and transnational crime, with safeguards for personal data protection included.