Strengthen controls at the European Union's external borders to prevent the entry of terrorists and irregular migrants.
This is the stated objective of the new border management system announced by the Council of the EU , which includes the introduction of an innovative IT system to monitor entries and exits from the Schengen area.
The project, known as EES (Entry/Exit System), will enable the digital recording of passport information and biometric data of third-country nationals entering the Schengen area. The system will provide real-time information on whether the authorized period of stay is being respected and, according to Brussels, will also help combat identity fraud.
The urgency of the initiative was emphasized by Danish Minister for Migration Rasmus Stoklund, current President of the Council of the EU. "We must do everything possible to prevent terrorists and irregular migrants from illegally entering the Schengen area," he stated. "It is essential to maintain effective control over third-country nationals to strengthen security at the external borders."
The new system will not affect European Union citizens or passport holders from Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, countries associated with the Schengen area.
