Strengthening Europe's Borders
EES & ETIAS
Two essential systems underpin the Smart Borders initiative: the European Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information & Authorization System (ETIAS). EES will create digital records of passport data, biometrics, and border crossings for non-Europeans traveling to and from Europe. Coming online in Q4 2026, ETIAS will collect data from non-European travelers exempt from visa requirements. These complementary systems are crucial for strengthening border security and building a solid foundation for digital travel.
Waiting for Godot
Despite their importance, repeated delays due to technical, planning, and implementation issues affected the rollout. Initially set for 2022, the previous EES go-live date of November 2024 was postponed at the last minute until October 2025. These delays have left Member States relying on manual procedures, having spent considerable time and money on purchasing equipment, upgrading national systems, and training frontline staff. Lessons need to be learned. For future programs, it will be vital to ensure stronger coordination across the EU, more realistic timelines, and improved transparency, with phased rollouts to mitigate risks on operations, ports, airports, and travelers.
Opportunities for innovation
While many of these challenges were both foreseeable and avoidable, the key questions today are: What lessons can be drawn? And how can the EU secure its borders while continuing to lay the foundation for seamless digital travel? Answers to these questions create an opportunity to re-evaluate how to unlock innovation and strengthen border security across the EU.
Achieving system interoperability
Ensuring interoperability between EES, ETIAS, and existing EU databases, such as the Schengen Information System (SIS), the upgraded Visa Information System (VIS4EES), and the shared Biometric Matching System (sBMS), is crucial. Innovation in cloud-based infrastructure and real-time, interactive, data-sharing solutions could bridge gaps, enabling seamless communication and data exchange between countries. These technologies would enhance cross-border operations, streamline traveler processing, and improve risk assessment capabilities.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform border management by automating processes and enhancing security. AI algorithms could analyze large datasets, such as visa applications and flight records, reducing wait times and human error while enabling effective resource allocation and staffing adjustments. Predictive analytics could also minimize the need for manual checks, enhancing overall efficiency and security, as long as they operate under human oversight, avoid discriminatory profiling, and respect individuals' rights.
The value of advice and expertise
Given the complexity of deploying large-scale border management systems, the EU could establish a dedicated advisory body, comprising a subset of Member States selected based on their expertise, capability, and state of readiness. This body would act as a coordinator, guiding other Member States in deploying systems effectively by:
- sharing best practices and operational insights;
- offering technical and operational support by deploying expert teams to assist with localized challenges;
- facilitating knowledge-sharing and addressing disparities in readiness across countries; and
- monitoring real-world testing outcomes, providing feedback, and recommending adjustments.
This collaborative approach would ensure the system's resilience, allowing for real-world testing to address issues early and ensuring continuous improvement and harmonization across the EU.
Stronger stakeholder and industry engagement
Cooperation between EU institutions, national governments, border agencies, and the private sector is essential. Regular consultations can identify risks and flaws early in the process, providing a platform to share knowledge and solicit feedback. By engaging stakeholders at every stage, the EU can ensure systems remain aligned with evolving security needs, legal frameworks, and advances in technology.
Thoughts for the future
The delays in implementing EES (and ETIAS) highlight the challenges of modernizing EU border security, yet they also offer opportunities for innovation. By establishing a dedicated advisory body and fostering continuous cooperation among Member States and stakeholders, the EU can aim to mitigate risks and challenges and confidently deliver complex transformation programs on time.
Through decisive action, a focus on innovation, and coordinated efforts, the EU can transform these delays into a catalyst for addressing emerging security challenges and enhancing the effectiveness of its border management systems, thereby improving mobility, security, and international cooperation. And that action should start now. The phased implementation of EES will commence in just six weeks, on 12 October 2025. It will not be without its challenges. Focusing now on known deficiencies, such as how to pre-register Third Country Nationals and verify their identities—before the border and before the day of travel—should be among the first priorities.
© 2025 • augmentiq
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About the Author: Clara Botton is a European Public Affairs Consultant at augmentiq. Clara previously worked for the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) committee at the European Parliament. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Globalization & International Trade from l’Université Paris-Est Créteil, a Master's degree in European & International Relations from Aix-Marseille University, and a post-graduate degree in European Studies from the Institute for European Studies (IEE) in Brussels.
