Introduction to the Entry/Exit System of the Schengen Area
The Entry/Exit System (EES) of the Schengen area has started to produce its first concrete effects on the management of European borders since its gradual implementation.
Key Features of the EES
At each passage, the data of travelers from third countries is now automatically recorded, including:
- Identity
- Date of entry
- Date of exit
- Duration of stay Gradually, the stamps on passports are disappearing in favor of continuous digital tracking, centralized among member states.
Performance of the EES
According to the first available data, over 52 million passages have already been recorded. This volume gives an idea of the intensity of travel to the Schengen area, as well as the system's ability to absorb massive circulation without systematic manual intervention.
Refusal of Entry
Within this total, approximately 27,000 people have been refused entry to European territory. These refusals do not result from automatic logic but rather when entry conditions are not met or when a signal is detected during cross-checks.
Changes and Improvements
One of the major changes in the system is that information is no longer isolated to a single border post. It is now cross-checked with various European and international databases, allowing for quicker identification of certain inconsistencies or alerts.
Security Enhancements
In this context, nearly 700 people have been identified as posing a potential risk to the security of the European Union, according to data communicated by the European Commission. The system acts both as a passage register and as an alert tool, capable of linking dispersed information across different states.
Impact on Short-Stay Durations
In parallel, the device more strictly frames the duration of short stays. The 90-day rule over a 180-day period, already in existence, is now automatically monitored.
Automated Calculation
The system calculates the remaining days from each entry and exit, limiting errors and making the tracking much more precise than before. For travelers, this means faster passage at borders but also more continuous control of their presence on European territory, even after entry.
Conclusion
The Entry/Exit System of the Schengen area is revolutionizing the management of European borders, providing a more efficient, secure, and automated process for tracking travelers and monitoring stays. As the system continues to evolve and improve, it is likely to have a significant impact on the way European countries manage their borders and ensure the security of their citizens.
