EU Entry Exit System launches to boost Schengen security, curb irregular migration.

Brussels, 10 October - The EU Entry Exit System (EES) will launch on 12 October 2025. The Coordinated Supervision Committee (CSC) will oversee the EES. This system registers non-Schengen nationals travelling with short-stay visas or those who are visa exempt. The EES is a large-scale IT system developed by the EU. Its purpose is to prevent irregular migration and enhance security within the Schengen area. How it works: The EES gradually replaces passport stamping at the external borders of the Schengen area. Its aim is to make the border process more efficient. The system records which travellers from third countries, with or without a visa, enter and exit the Schengen area. The EES implementation will occur gradually. European countries can progressively use the system over six months. Initially, 10% of border crossings will register third-country nationals. By the end of this six-month period, European countries are expected to achieve full registration for all individuals. Processing of individuals’ personal data by the EES: The EES records personal data from travel documents. This includes name, date of birth, and place of birth. It also registers entry and exit dates for travellers. Furthermore, biometric data like facial images and fingerprints are collected. Due to the sensitivity of this personal data, ensuring individuals can exercise their rights is crucial. The processing of personal data must also be properly supervised. Ensuring data subject rights: Personal data protection is a fundamental right. This right also applies to EES data processing. The EES regulation mandates informing travellers about their rights regarding personal data processing within the system. They must also be informed on how to exercise these rights. Authorities like border guards, migration services, and law enforcement (under certain conditions) process EES data. They must ensure individuals can easily request access, rectification, completion, erasure, and restriction of their data. Supervision of data processing in the EES: With the EES launching, the CSC will supervise personal data processing. This supervision will occur at both European and national levels. More information on CSC's EES supervision will be available on CSC members’ websites. Background: The CSC comprises European national Data Protection Authorities and the EDPS. Together, they ensure coordinated supervision of large-scale IT systems. This also covers EU bodies, offices, and agencies within its scope. Such systems include the Schengen Information System (SIS), Visa Information System (VIS), and Eurodac. Two new systems, ETIAS and ECRIS-TCN, will also fall under its purview later. The CSC operates autonomously, setting its own rules and methods. It was established under the EDPB framework.