Council adopts regulation enabling phased implementation of Entry/Exit System
The Council of the EU has adopted a regulation modifying the Entry/Exit System (EES) implementation framework. The new law enables member states to implement the digital border management system progressively over 180 days, rather than simultaneously as required by the 2017 EES Regulation. Member states must achieve full registration, including biometric data collection, by the end of the six-month period while continuing manual passport stamping. The regulation enters into force three days after Official Journal publication, with the European Commission to determine the EES operational start date. The system will digitally record entry/exit data, passport information, fingerprints and facial images of non-EU nationals travelling for short stays.