Malta risks exclusion from the Schengen area following delays in the implementation of the EES system. The issues and consequences of this critical situation for the Mediterranean island.
Highlights:
- Malta risks forced exit from the Schengen area due to delays in implementing the EES system
- The new Entry-Exit System (EES) aims to improve border management and security
- The EES could come into force on October 6, 2024, replacing the manual passport stamping system
- Concerns are raised over Malta's preparedness and potential consequences for its citizens
The Mediterranean island of Malta currently finds itself in a delicate situation which could have significant repercussions on its citizens and its economy. Indeed, the country risks a forced exit from the Schengen area, this free movement zone which allows Europeans to travel without control at the internal borders of the European Union. This risk is linked to delays in the implementation of a new passport control system called the Entry-Exit System (EES). In this article, we will explore in detail the ins and outs of this situation, its potential implications, and the efforts necessary to avoid this disaster scenario.
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The Entry-Exit System (EES)
Before discussing the specific situation of Malta, it is essential to understand what the Entry-Exit System is and why it is of such importance to the European Union.
What is the Entry-Exit System (EES)?
The Entry-Exit System, or EES, is an ambitious initiative by the European Union aimed at modernizing and strengthening the management of the external borders of the Schengen area. This system, scheduled to come into effect on October 6, 2024 (although this date has not yet been officially confirmed), represents a significant technological advancement compared to the current system of manual passport stamping.
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The main objectives of the EES are multiple:
- Improving the management of the external borders of the Schengen area
- Reduce irregular migration by more effectively identifying overstays
- Facilitate and optimize the management of migratory flows
- Strengthening security by combating threats such as terrorism and serious crimes
How does the EES work?
The operation of the EES is based on the use of advanced biometric technologies. When a traveler arrives at an external border of the Schengen area, the new system provides for the following steps:
- Presentation of the passport, as is already the case currently
- Taking a photo of the traveler's face
- Electronic fingerprint scanning
- These biometric data are then recorded in a centralized database, allowing more precise and efficient monitoring of entries and exits from the Schengen area.
The advantages of the EES compared to the current system
The EES has several significant advantages over the manual passport stamping system:
- Speed: The electronic process should ultimately speed up border controls.
- Accuracy: Using biometric data significantly reduces the risk of errors.
- Enhanced security: The system allows for better detection of people potentially representing a security threat.
- Fight against irregular immigration: The EES facilitates the identification of people overstaying their authorized stay.
- Harmonization: The system standardizes border control procedures throughout the Schengen area.
The specific situation of Malta: a worrying delay
Peter Agius, Maltese MEP, recently sounded the alarm about his country's preparedness for the implementation of the SEA. According to him, Malta faces a "real risk" of finding itself excluded from the Schengen area due to its inability to implement the new passport control system within the stipulated deadline.
The main points of concern raised by Peter Agius are:
- Delay in the application of European law: Malta is said to have delayed the application of a European law agreed upon 6 years ago.
- Lack of contract for the purchase of the necessary equipment: Until recently, no contract had been signed to ensure the purchase of the new equipment required for the airport.
- Inadequate temporary solution: The Maltese government is reportedly preparing a temporary manual passport control system, potentially bureaucratic and causing delays.
- Lack of communication: The MEP deplores a lack of information from the government on an issue of national importance.
The potential consequences for Malta and its citizens
If Malta were to be excluded from the Schengen area, the consequences would be considerable for the country and its citizens:
- Return of systematic checks: The Maltese are expected to once again undergo in-depth checks when traveling within the Schengen area, causing delays and inconvenience.
- Impact on tourism: The tourism industry, crucial for the Maltese economy, could be affected by the complexity of entry procedures into the territory.
- Loss of prestige: Exclusion from the Schengen area would be seen as a diplomatic and political failure for Malta.
- Complications for cross-border workers: Maltese people working in other EU countries could face increased difficulties.
The efforts necessary to avoid exclusion
Faced with this critical situation, several actions are necessary to avoid the exclusion of Malta from the Schengen area:
- Acceleration of implementation: The Maltese government must intensify its efforts to implement the EES as soon as possible.
- Investment in infrastructure: Sufficient resources must be allocated for the purchase and installation of the necessary equipment.
- Staff training: Border agents must be trained in the use of the new system.
- Transparent communication: The government must regularly inform the public and stakeholders of the progress of the project.
- Cooperation with the EU: Close collaboration with European institutions could help find rapid and effective solutions.
ETIAS: a complementary system to the EES
After the introduction of the EES, the European Union plans to deploy another system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) in the first half of 2025. The ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization intended for Schengen visa-exempt travelers.
The ETIAS will work in synergy with the EES to further strengthen security at the Schengen area borders. Here are some key points to remember about ETIAS:
- Obligation for visa-exempt travelers: Third-country nationals who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization before their trip.
- Online process: The ETIAS authorization request will be made online, simply and quickly in most cases.
- Pre-verification: ETIAS will allow travelers' information to be verified before they arrive at Schengen borders, making it easier to detect potential security threats.
- Three-year validity: Once obtained, the ETIAS authorization will be valid for a period of three years or until the traveler's passport expires.
Country participation in the SEA
It should be noted that not all EU Member States will participate in the SEA. Here is an overview of the situation:
Participants: The vast majority of EU Member States, as well as the four countries associated with the Schengen area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) will participate in the EES.
Exceptions within the EU: Cyprus and Ireland will not participate in the EES. In these countries, passports will continue to be stamped manually.
Special case of the United Kingdom: Since Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the EU or the Schengen area. It is therefore not affected by the EES.