WAM
08 Jul 2025, 21:35 GMT+10
BRUSSELS, 8th July, 2025 (WAM) - The European Parliament approved the gradual introduction of electronic border controls on Tuesday. If EU member states approve the plans, the controls could start in autumn.
The entry-exit system is an automated control system that will be used to check non-EU nationals entering or leaving the European Union. Upon arrival, travellers will be required to present their passport, provide their date of departure and undergo fingerprint and facial recognition scanning.
The introduction of the system has already been postponed several times, most recently in October last year, as Germany, France and the Netherlands were not yet ready.
During the transition period, Member States will continue to stamp travel documents. In exceptional circumstances, such as very long queues, they may temporarily suspend the system.
On Tuesday, 572 MEPs voted in favour, 42 voted against, and 67 abstained.
"Parliament has now done its part and ensured that the entry-exit system can be used at the EU's external borders as soon as possible," said rapporteur Assita Kanko in a press release.
It is now up to the European Commission to decide when the system will be implemented. Kanko had previously indicated that October should be a realistic start date.
Get a daily dose of Belgium Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Belgium Sun.
More InformationDUBLIN, Ireland: Despite extreme heat gripping much of mainland Europe, Irish holidaymakers are pressing ahead with their travel plans,...
HONG KONG: China has fired back at the European Union in an escalating trade dispute by imposing new restrictions on medical device...
PARIS, France: A strike by French air traffic controllers demanding improved working conditions caused significant disruptions during...
ROME, Italy: Quick thinking by emergency responders helped prevent greater devastation after a gas station explosion in southeastern...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump is drawing praise from his core supporters after halting key arms shipments to Ukraine, a...
DUBLIN, Ireland: The High Court has heard that some parents of children with special needs may be forced to give up their jobs to care...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Elon Musk's entry into the political arena is drawing pushback from top U.S. officials and investors, as his decision...
CULVER CITY, California: TikTok is preparing to roll out a separate version of its app for U.S. users, as efforts to secure a sale...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump claimed he was unaware that the term shylock is regarded as antisemitic when he used it in...
PARIS, France: A strike by French air traffic controllers demanding improved working conditions caused significant disruptions during...
OMAHA, Nebraska: With Congress considering cuts totaling around US$1 trillion to Medicaid over the next decade, concerns are rising...
ROME, Italy: Quick thinking by emergency responders helped prevent greater devastation after a gas station explosion in southeastern...