EU Commission Remains Hopeful for Malta's Timely EES Implementation by Fall 2024

The EU Commission remains hopeful that Malta will implement the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES) by the fall of 2024, alongside other Schengen Area Member States.

Despite recent reports suggesting that Malta might resort to an alternative manual system due to delays in preparing for the EES, a Commission spokesperson, Christian Wigand, confirmed that Malta is working closely with the EU to ensure timely readiness for the system.

"Member States are working towards the implementation of the Entry/Exit System. The Commission is in close cooperation with all Member States, including Malta, to ensure that they will be ready for the EES entry into operation in the Autumn 2024," stated Wigand.

Previously, Maltese politician and EU Parliament Member Peter Agius expressed concerns that Malta might not be able to implement the EES at its borders by October. He indicated that the EU and Malta were collaborating on an alternative system to be used until the EES is fully operational.

While insisting on close cooperation with Malta to ensure the EES is operational on time, the Commission has not denied that Malta faced challenges in starting preparations promptly.

"The Commission is currently in discussions with Malta regarding the necessary solutions that would enable Malta to operate the EES from day one, according to the requirements of the EES Regulation. The discussions are ongoing. The Commission will continue to support Malta in the lead-up to the start of operations," stated the EU Commission.

The Maltese government had admitted in early June that they were behind schedule with EES preparations, citing a lack of interest from companies in the initial tender as a reason for the delay.

The EES implementation has been postponed from the initially planned date of October 6 to November 10, 2024, with some sources suggesting a further delay to November 17. The EU has not officially announced the reason for this postponement, but it is believed that several countries, including those with air borders, have struggled to implement the system on time.

By fLEXI tEAM