In a historic announcement, Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson addressed staff at eu-LISA, the European Union Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems, on the imminent deployment of the state-of-the-art Entry/Exit System. This state-of-the-art digital border management system, set to go live on 10 November, marks a significant step forward in securing Europe’s borders and facilitating travel.
“Thank you eu-LISA,” Commissioner Johansson began her speech, acknowledging the agency’s herculean efforts over the past decade. The Entry/Exit System aims to streamline travel processes while improving the security framework that protects Europe. By enabling digital border controls at all points of entry, it promises to transform the way Europe manages its borders.
The Commissioner highlighted the path taken towards this innovative system, starting with the legislative foundations laid ten years ago, leading to the technical development initiated six years before. “Transforming legal texts into a digital reality, connecting an entire continent, is a colossal undertaking,” she stressed.
The Entry/Exit System will be linked to existing national and EU systems, establishing full interoperability. When operational, it will replace the outdated practice of stamping passports with digital checks, significantly improving the efficiency of border crossings for non-EU travellers. According to Johansson, more than 700 million travellers to Europe will be affected by these changes each year, making the transition crucial to maintaining robust but smooth cross-border movements.
Commissioner Johansson spoke about the challenges and potential setbacks encountered during the development phase. She commended eu-LISA staff for their resilience and dedication, even though the project faced delays. “There were setbacks. There were delays. But you did not give up,” she said, acknowledging the sacrifices made, including missed holidays, to meet the project deadlines.
The new system will also strengthen security measures by deploying biometric identification processes, using photos and fingerprints to prevent the use of fraudulent travel documents. This measure is expected to strengthen the security of 450 million Europeans by deterring potential threats, including illegal immigration and the misuse of fake passports.
Further steps towards the integration of large-scale IT systems within the EU are on the horizon, as eu-LISA will also work on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), scheduled to be launched in 2025, and on updates to Eurodac, which are essential for the functioning of the EU’s migration policy.
Concluding her speech, Johansson highlighted the importance of the upcoming launch date, 10 November. “You designed this border management system. You built it and you will lead it,” she said, instilling confidence in the agency’s leadership and capabilities. This day promises to be an important milestone in Europe’s ongoing mission to strengthen security while promoting ease of travel, cementing eu-LISA’s role as the cornerstone of Europe’s digital border.
In conclusion, Commissioner Johansson’s speech underlined the spirit of collaboration and unwavering commitment behind the development of the Entry/Exit System, promising a new era of secure and efficient border management for Europe.
Originally published in The European Times.
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