The launch of this new Entry/Exit Biometric System (EES), which was due to go into effect this November, has been delayed again. The reason, according to The Independent, is the unavailability of the database on which it depends. At the same time, an official decision on the exact date is still only expected – it will be announced in June.
For now, the next EES launch date is May 2024. However, according to experts, there is a possibility that this could happen later, after the Summer Olympic Games, which are to be held in France from July 26 to August 11.
The authorities are likely to wish to “prevent chaos at airports” and delay the introduction of the new system before this major event, supporters of this point of view substantiate the situation.
Note that this is not the first delay. The introduction of EES has been postponed for the second time. Moreover, the first date for its entry into force was called May 1 of this year. Then it was postponed until November, and now it’s canceled again.