EU starts new entry system: biometric control from now on!

EU starts new entry system: biometric control from now on!

Brüssel, Belgien - The European Union is planning a new electronic entry system, which is referred to as Entry/Exit system (EES). This innovative system aims to control irregular migration more effectively and reduce identity fraud. Representatives of the European Parliament and the EU member states have agreed in Brussels to gradually start the system. The EES should automatically record which non-EU citizens enter or leave it by using biometric data such as fingerprints and face pictures

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An important aspect of the new system is the database, which will indicate whether certain people are longer than allowed in the Schengen area. Member States of the EU can thus access the travel dates and the residence status of third -country nationals in real time. This measure is considered necessary by EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner in order to close existing gaps in control over migration and to provide immediate information about arrival and exit in the Schengen area. However, a specific start date is still pending because a separate decision of the Commission is required.

gradual implementation

The introduction of the Entry/Exit system will be carried out in several phases. The intended introductory period is six months. The system can be operated without biometric data for the first two months, which enables flexible entry. From the third month, at least 35 percent of the border crossings should run via the new system. The full change is sought after half a year at the latest, and manual stamps are guaranteed until then. This gradual introduction could help to facilitate the transition phase for travelers and authorities.

The system is part of a larger concept for digitizing control over migration in Europe. The Schengen Agreement, which were signed in 1985, have long laid the foundation for the biometric recording of migrants. In recent decades, a large number of other database systems have also been implemented to facilitate the monitoring and control of border crossings. This digital collection of data has proven to be increasingly decisive for European border security.

technology and challenges

The digitization of the migration is primarily carried out by the EU Agency EU-Lisa, which is responsible for the administration of central systems such as Eurodac for asylum applications, SIS II for criminal offenses and the Visa information system (VIS). These systems have expanded significantly over the years within their range and the data categories recorded. Nevertheless, there are concerns about the accuracy and possible mis -identification when using such technologies.

The increasing dependence on digital controls also raises questions regarding responsibilities and transparency. Critics criticize the low inclusion of civil society actors and the European Parliament in decision -making processes. The financing models of these digitized systems are often opaque, and the role of private companies in the design of migration issues should not be underestimated.

Overall, the introduction of the new electronic entry system is a step into the future of migration within the EU. However, it remains to be seen how effective this system will be in practice and whether it can actually do the promised progress in the control of irregular migration.

For further information on the background and effects of the new system see FAZ , Zeit and Ehne.