ECR rapporteur Assita Kanko has called the Civil Liberties Committee’s adoption of a plan to finally roll out the long-overdue Entry-Exit System (EES) a crucial step for the safety of Europe’s citizens.
Kanko, who led the work on the file, warned that the time for promises and postponements is over. Speaking after the vote, she said:
\”The need for reinforced border security was made clear by the horrific wave of terrorist attacks in France, Belgium and elsewhere in 2015 and 2016. The Entry-Exit System was introduced to help prevent such events by registering non-EU travellers every time they cross our external borders. And yet, eight years after its adoption, the system is still not operational.
\”This delay is unacceptable. The European Parliament worked hard to push through legislation that ensures this crucial system finally becomes reality. No more excuses. Europe must act – because a safe Europe starts with secure borders.\”
The Entry-Exit System replaces the outdated system of passport stamping with a digital register that includes biometric data. It will help reduce illegal overstays, identify identity fraud, and assist in combating terrorism and cross-border crime.
Kanko explained: \”The purpose of the Entry-Exit System is to make EU citizens safer. In the eight years since the EES legislation was adopted, security threats have only increased, meaning that the system is now more important than ever. Unfortunately, the system is still not operational, as not all member states are as yet ready for its full launch. With this gradual roll-out, we aim to get the system up and running as soon as realistically possible, and I’m glad about the broad support in Parliament for my position.\”
For the ECR Group, the credibility of EU internal security policy is at stake. The Group has consistently advocated for smart, firm, and technologically robust border controls as part of a wider strategy to defend Europe’s way of life.
Under the new rules, the European Commission will determine the start date for a 180-day window in which Member States are expected to progressively bring the Entry-Exit System into operation at their external borders.
As part of the Parliament’s changes to the original proposal, MEPs emphasised that countries should retain the flexibility to either introduce the system in phases or implement it fully from the outset, depending on their readiness.
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