Despite the pandemic, the European Union institutions are moving forward with their plans on the implementation of the new EU security systems.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) has announced that it will soon launch the Entry-Exit System (EES) pilot project, a database that among others is set to replace passport stamps and enhance border security in EU
“The European Union is moving forward with implementing various ‘smart borders’ solutions that will make it easier for genuine travellers to cross Europe’s borders while protecting the security of hundreds of millions of Europeans.
Among these is the Entry-Exit System (EES), which will register the entry and departure data of non-EU nationals crossing the external borders of EU Member States,” FRONTEX announces through a press release.
The agency also points out that the system will significantly impact the work of border guards and the national authorities, who need to be prepared for important changes at border crossing points.
FRONTEX is currently looking for industry solutions for the testing and implementation of EES-compliant equipment, including complete technological solutions, hardware and software, development and integration services with national systems, as in the second half of 2020 it plans to start testing various EES technological solutions.
“During the test, our agency will be able to assess the impact of the system at busy border crossing points and the length of time necessary to capture the required data. Upon its completion, we will be able to advise EU countries on the most appropriate technology to be used,” the agency notes.
At the beginning of June, the EU Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA), responsible for the development of the Entry/Exit System and its operational management, signed a contract with the consortium of IDEMIA and Sopra Steria to complete the development of the sBMS by 2022.
The new shared Biometric Matching System (sBMS) which is an important part of the EES, will be one of the world’s largest biometric databases. It will contain information for over 400 million third-country nationals, including fingerprints and facial images.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new EU security system, which will register data on the entry and exit of non-EU nationals who cross the external borders of the Schengen Area.
Once the EEA becomes effective, all embassies or other authorities responsible for the processing of Schengen visa applications shall consult the EES first, before granting extending, annulling or revoking a Schengen visa.