Plenary formally endorses legislative proposal for an Entry-Exit System (EES)

Further information:

The draft law includes plans to speed up and strengthen border checks at the European Union's borders for non-EU travellers. The proposed system registers information on entry, exit and refusal of entry of non-EU nationals, both for visa-required and visa exempt travellers who cross the external borders of the Schengen area.

The EES aims to replace the stamping of passports with an electronic system that stores data on the traveller, so as to facilitate fast crossings, while making it easier to detect over-stayers and document or identify fraud.

EES would also help to check that the authorised duration of a stay in the Schengen area is respected (90 days in any 180 day period).

Background information:

The European Commission put forward the proposal in April 2016, building on the failed Smart Borders legislative package launched in 2013. The Council of the European Union reached the informal agreement with the European Parliament on 29 June 2017. This was confirmed by the Council's Committee of Permanent Representatives on the following day.

The European Parliament's plenary session formally adopted on 25 October 2017 a legislative proposal setting up an Entry-Exit System for the European Union's external borders.

EPRS: Briefing, June 2017: Smart Borders: EU Entry/Exit System http://www.europeansources.info/record/smart-borders-eu-entry-exit-system/

European Commission: DG Communication: STATEMENT/17/4162, 25.10.17: ommission welcomes adoption of Entry/Exit System for stronger and smarter EU borders http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-17-4162_en.htm

Deutsche Welle, 25.10.17: EU to implement border fingerprint checks similar to United States http://p.dw.com/p/2mV0f

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