EU Biometric Entry System Faces Delay Amid Technological Setbacks

The European Union has postponed the launch of a new biometric entry system for non-EU citizens, initially scheduled for November 10. Germany, France, and the Netherlands indicated their border systems are not ready. With no new timeline set, a phased introduction is being considered.

The European Union has pushed back the rollout of a biometric entry system meant for non-EU visitors, following concerns raised by Germany, France, and the Netherlands regarding their border technologies' readiness.

Initially scheduled for a November 10 launch, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson confirmed the plan would no longer proceed as scheduled. Although a new timeline has not been established, a phased implementation is being explored. The Entry/Exit System (EES) aims to link travel documents with biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans, eliminating the need for stamping passports in the Schengen area.

Germany's interior ministry noted that the three nations, accounting for 40% of the traffic affected, can't implement the system due to the lack of necessary stability from the central system managed by EU-Lisa. The French interior ministry stressed the importance of proper preparation before the system's introduction, while the Dutch government did not comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)