As explained by the EU body, the proposal means that all Member States will start operating the EES from day one. However, until this day comes, they will have the chance to progressively register in the system data of third-country nationals crossing the borders.

The Member States will start registering at least ten per cent of border crossings, and by the end of the given six-month period, they will need to reach the full registration of all people.

Member States that decide to move on with the progressive start of the EES operations will be required to report on their progress on a monthly basis to both the Commission and eu-LISA.

On the other hand, countries that want to start operating the EES fully from the first day will be permitted to do so. The only requirement is that by the end of the six-month period, the system should be fully implemented across all Member States of the EU.

These Are the Benefits of the Progressive Approach

The Entry/Exit System, which will digitalise border control and replace manual passport stamping, aims to modernise the management of the external borders and strengthen the security of the Schengen Area while at the same time making the travel process for foreign nationals smoother.

While the plan was to implement the system in 2024, the EU authorities informed earlier in October that it would not be able to move on with its launch this year.

For this reason, progressive entry into the operation of the EES is being proposed, taking into account the benefits that it will have for both Member States and travellers.

According to the Commission, the progressive approach will offer more flexibility to Member States to adjust to the procedures and better prepare to manage the flow of travellers.

Moreover, this approach will help reduce the waiting times at the border, offering an improved experience for travellers. At the same time, the proposed approach will give the border authorities and transport industry more time to adjust to the new procedures.

The proposal will be submitted to the EU Council and Parliament for adoption, and once adopted, the EU Member States will need to start preparing for the progressive start of operations.