Answer given by Ms Johansson on behalf of the European Commission

19.9.2022

1. The revised timeline adopted by the eu-LISA[1] Management Board scheduling the entry into operation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) by mid-May 2023 was confirmed by the Justice and Home Affairs Council during its informal meeting on 11 July 2022.

Eu-LISA reported challenges in the timely execution and delivery of specific milestones caused by the contractors developing the Entry/Exit System, making no longer possible that the system would enter into operation in 2022 (non-compliance of several functionalities, instability of environments affecting Member States preparations).

2. According to the planning, the Entry/Exit System will become fully functional by mid-May 2023.

3. Due to the complexity of the introduction of EES at border crossing points the Commission is assessing potential challenges that the Member States and the carrier industry are facing.

On this basis a progressive entry into operation may be necessary to allow for some degree of flexibility — when strictly necessary — to avoid long waiting times at specific border crossing points. The gradual approach would not have an impact on the system itself that will be fully functioning.

The Commission does not expect any significant costs to occur from the application of this approach.

• [1] https://www.eulisa.europa.eu/