New technologies at the borders of the European Union: stages of implementation of the EES and ETIAS projects

The European Council recently reached a general agreement on a regulation that provides for the gradual introduction of the EES (European Entry/Exit System) within six months. Once the regulation has been approved and the other member states have declared their readiness, the European Commission will set a specific date for the launch of the system, based on a schedule agreed by the ministers of the interior.

The EES is designed to automatically register information on third-country nationals entering and leaving the EU. In particular, it will collect passport data, biometric information (fingerprints and facial images), and track border crossings. This will greatly facilitate the detection of persons who have overstayed their authorized stay in the Schengen area.

In the future, EU member states will be able to access data on the travel and residence status of third-country nationals in real time. The introduction of the EES is scheduled for October 2025, due to the need for urgent implementation.

It is important to note that the system does not apply to citizens of EU and Schengen Agreement countries, as well as to foreigners traveling within the Schengen area between its countries and holders of EU residence permits.

In addition, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be introduced for third-country nationals with visa-free entry. This system will require registration, payment of a fee, and obtaining an authorization before travel. ETIAS is scheduled to be introduced in the fourth quarter of 2026 and is intended for persons aged 18 to 70.

The EU leadership recognizes the challenges of implementing such large-scale systems at the region's external borders and warns of possible delays and postponements in the launch date.

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