The European Union’s (EU) new Entry-Exit System (EES) has encountered yet another setback, with reports indicating a further delay in its implementation. Initially scheduled to roll out in October 2024, the system is now purportedly scheduled for a November 2024 launch.

The EES, designed to replace manual passport stamping for visa-holders entering the EU, aims to bolster security and facilitate border management. The system will register non-EU nationals each time they visit European countries, allowing travellers to check the number of days they have stayed in the EU. By collecting biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints, the EES seeks to streamline border control procedures and enhance the detection of travellers using fake identities or passports.

However, the ambitious project has been plagued by postponements, with the original plan to introduce it in 2021 having already been pushed back multiple times. While the EU has not officially confirmed the most recent delay, the decision to postpone the launch appears to have been made in response to concerns expressed by member states regarding their readiness to handle the new system. By extending the timeline, the EU hopes to give countries more time to adequately prepare for the implementation of the EES.

As of now, the European Commission maintains that the system will be fully operational this Autumn, despite not providing a specific launch date. As the EU continues to grapple with these delays, the world watches and waits for the highly anticipated EES to become a reality.