The European Council has passed a law that will enable the launch of a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) within six months, intended to improve the efficiency of border control at the EU's external borders.

Source:  "European Truth" citing the European Council's announcement.

It has been reported that the new system will also apply to Ukrainian citizens.

The EES will digitally record entries and exits, passport data, fingerprints, and facial images of citizens from non-EU countries traveling for short stays within EU member states.

"Reliable protection of our external borders is vital for the European Union. The new entry-exit system will help ensure that citizens from non-EU countries traveling to Europe adhere to our regulations. This will make our borders safer and border control more effective," stated Kaare Dybvad Bek, the Danish Minister for Immigration and Integration, currently holding the EU Council Presidency.

With this system, relevant authorities, from border guards to law enforcement, will have access to data that will allow them to verify the identity of third-country citizens and check their compliance with the allowed duration of stay in the Schengen Area. Consequently, the EES will significantly reduce the likelihood of identity fraud and overstaying within the Schengen Zone.