On Wednesday, member states of the European Union reached an agreement to implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated registry designed for travelers making short stays.

This decision represents a significant advancement after years of postponements due to technical challenges and insufficient readiness.

Interior ministers gathered in Brussels to formalize the agreement, which is expected to allow for a rollout in the autumn; however, a specific launch date has yet to be determined.

Member states have been given two options for implementation: a complete rollout of the system or a gradual introduction over a six-month period.

By the end of this transition phase, all border crossings will be managed through the EES.

The phased implementation option was not part of the initial legislative framework but emerged as a viable solution after discussions during a meeting in November, aimed at resolving the ongoing deadlock regarding the system's adoption.

Poland, which currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, will lead negotiations with the European Parliament to finalize the revised legislation.

Tomasz Siemoniak, Poland's Minister for Internal Affairs and Administration, indicated an aim for operational readiness by October.

The EES is part of a wider reform effort that began in 2016, focused on modernizing the procedures at the EU's external borders.

The system will specifically impact non-EU citizens visiting the bloc for tourism, business, or other short-term activities lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

When the system is activated, foreign visitors will need to present their passports at entry points.

Furthermore, biometric data collection will be a central aspect of the system, which will involve the electronic scanning of facial images and fingerprints.

All entries and exits from the Schengen Area, which allows passport-free travel among member states, will be recorded under the new regulations.

This enhancement of data collection and sharing aims to aid authorities in identifying individuals who overstay their visas and in combating identity-related fraud.

Participation in the EES will encompass all EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland, as well as four associated Schengen countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Border control processes in Cyprus and Ireland will continue to be manual for the time being.