Spain Aims for Full Readiness of Entry/Exit System at External Borders by End of 2023 or Early 2024

In a recent update, Spain has reaffirmed its commitment to having its external border checkpoints fully equipped and prepared for the implementation of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) by the end of 2023 or early 2024. The Communication Cabinet of the Spanish Ministry of the Interior confirmed this timeline in a statement.

As part of its plan, Spain intends to deploy 1,500 Manual Border Control Inspection units across all its border-crossing points. This announcement was initially made on June 16, 2022, when the Spanish Ministry of Interior announced its collaboration with Thales, a prominent French multinational company specializing in electrical systems and equipment for defense, transportation, and security sectors.

Thales, headquartered in Paris, was selected to provide the necessary technology for Spain's border checks. At the time of the announcement, Thales had outlined its intention to deploy the modern systems within the following months, aiming for completion before the previously anticipated EU-wide implementation of the EES in May 2023.

In the company's own words, "The contract will be executed over the next eight months, during which these modern systems will be deployed at airports, ports and land crossings throughout Spain."

However, despite these intentions, it remains uncertain how many of Spain's border control points have actually been equipped with the new technology as of now.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a pivotal border management initiative for the European Union. Initially slated for launch in May 2023, the EES has encountered delays attributed to third-party factors, leading to a postponement. Consequently, the exact timeline for its implementation remains uncertain. Through the EES, the EU aims to collect biometric information from individuals entering and leaving its territory, enhancing security measures by identifying potential threats.

Thales is also actively involved in enhancing border control measures for other countries. In France, Thales has been tasked with equipping the country's borders with 544 new kiosks and 250 tablets as part of the comprehensive preparations for the EES.

Interestingly, several other countries have selected IDEMIA, another French multinational technology company headquartered in France. IDEMIA specializes in providing facial recognition and other biometric identification products and software to both government entities and private companies. Notable examples of countries collaborating with IDEMIA include Lithuania, Iceland, and Denmark.

Among these, Lithuania stands out as the only EU member state that has officially announced its full readiness for the launch of the Entry/Exit System. The country's borders have been fully equipped with the necessary technology to facilitate the implementation of the system.

In conclusion, Spain's commitment to achieving full readiness for the Entry/Exit System (EES) by the end of 2023 or early 2024 underscores the intricate and meticulous nature of modern border control initiatives. With the ever-evolving landscape of security challenges, the importance of streamlined and efficient border management systems cannot be overstated. As technology providers like Thales and IDEMIA work in tandem with countries to equip their border control points, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of both citizens and the broader European community. The delays faced by the EES project highlight the complex interplay of various factors in the implementation of large-scale initiatives, while also emphasizing the necessity of flexibility and adaptability in navigating such challenges.

By fLEXI tEAM