Entry/Exit system

EESC opinion: Entry/Exit system

Key points

The EESC considers that:

  • the entry/exit system (EES) in its new form is indeed needed, providing added value in terms of security at European level. As in other areas of policy and regulation, with its opinions the Committee promotes a balanced approach which reconciles security and proper law enforcement without ever departing from the fundamental values of the EU;
  • the roll-out of the new EES must be accompanied by campaigns explaining as clearly as possible how the system works, emphasising the protection of personal data. It recommends organising information campaigns and educational campaigns targeting both authorities and third-country nationals;
  • staff involved in running the system must be properly informed and trained, and recommends that such training be given significant financial and institutional support;
  • compliance with fundamental rights will need to be monitored constantly by the competent EU institutions and open to civil society organisations at both European and national levels.

As regards personal data, the Committee stresses that the right to access, rectify and delete personal data must be clearly defined and safeguarded.

After the EES is rolled out, the Committee would recommend carrying out an investigation similar to the one undertaken in the pilot phase, in order to explore the system's impact on passengers under "real-life" conditions.

It is important to clarify to what extent the Member States must contribute on a budgetary and institutional level to implementing this system. It is necessary to clarify this issue and to find solutions to obtain a firm commitment from Member States to cooperate and contribute to implementing the system.