In a landmark announcement, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, addressed the staff of eu-LISA, the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems, regarding the impending deployment of the state-of-the-art Entry/Exit System. This cutting-edge digital border management system, scheduled to go live on November 10th, marks a significant advancement in European border security and travel facilitation.

“Thank you eu-LISA,” Commissioner Johansson began her speech, acknowledging the Herculean efforts invested by the agency over the past decade. The Entry/Exit System aims to streamline travel processes while enhancing the security framework that protects Europe. By enabling digital border controls at all entry points, this system promises to transform how Europe manages its borders.

The Commissioner highlighted the journey toward this innovative system, beginning with legislative groundwork laid ten years ago, leading to the technical development initiated six years previously. “Turning legal texts into a digital reality, connecting an entire continent – that is a massive undertaking,” she noted.

The Entry/Exit System will interlink with existing national and European systems, establishing full interoperability. When operational, it will replace the outdated practice of passport stamping with digital checks, significantly enhancing the efficiency of border crossings for non-EU travelers. According to Johansson, more than 700 million travelers to Europe annually will be affected by these changes, making the transition crucial for maintaining robust yet seamless cross-border movement.

Commissioner Johansson addressed potential challenges and setbacks encountered during the developmental phase. She praised eu-LISA staff for their resilience and dedication, even as the project faced delays. “There were setbacks. There were delays. But you didn’t give up,” she commended, acknowledging the sacrifices made, including missed holidays, to meet the project’s deadlines.

The new system will also bolster security measures by deploying biometric identification processes, using photos and fingerprints to prevent the use of fraudulent travel documents. This measure is expected to enhance safety for 450 million Europeans by deterring potential threats, including illegal migration and the misuse of fake passports.

Further steps toward integrating large-scale IT systems within the EU are on the horizon, as eu-LISA will also work on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) set to launch in 2025, and updates to Eurodac, critical to the EU’s migration policy.

Ending her address, Johansson emphasized the significance of the upcoming November 10th launch date. “You designed this border management system. You built it and you will run it,” she asserted, instilling confidence in the agency’s leadership and capabilities. The day promises to be a milestone in Europe’s ongoing mission to enhance security while promoting ease of travel, cementing eu-LISA’s role as a cornerstone of Europe’s digital frontier.

In conclusion, Commissioner Johansson’s speech underscored the collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment behind the Entry/Exit System’s development, promising a new era of secure and efficient border management for Europe.