The European Union outlined new terms for the introduction of a global electronic system of entry/exit without stamps in the passport. The launch of this new Biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), which was supposed to come into force in November this year, has been delayed again. The reason, as reported by The Independent, is the unreadiness of the database on which it depends. At the same time, an official decision on the exact date is still expected – it will be announced in June.
For now, the next EES launch date is May 2024. However, as noted by experts, there is a possibility that this may happen later after the summer Olympic Games, which are to be held in France from July 26 to August 11. The authorities most likely want to “prevent chaos at the airports” and will delay the introduction of the new system before this biggest event – supporters of this point of view justify the situation.
Note that this is not the first postponement. The introduction of EES has been postponed for the second time. Moreover, the first deadline for its entry into force was called May 1 of this year. Then it was postponed until November, and now it was canceled again.