Spain is gearing up for the installation and operation of the new Entry/Exit System
(EES) at its external border checkpoints by the close of 2023 or the outset of 2024,
according to an official statement from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.
The Ministry recently affirmed that Spain's comprehensive plan is to have the EES fully
functional and all necessary equipment in place within the specified timeframe. The
ambitious undertaking involves the deployment of cutting-edge technology to enhance
border control efficiency and security.
In a significant development announced on 16th June, 2022, the Spanish Ministry of
Interior entered into a contract with Thales, a prominent French multinational
corporation headquartered in Paris, specialised in defence, transportation, and
security systems. The collaboration aimed to equip Spain's border checks with state-of-
the-art technology, including 1,500 Manual Border Control Inspection units across
various border crossing locations.
Although Thales initially projected that the modern systems would be operational
before May 2023, coinciding with the anticipated EU-wide implementation of the EES,
this timeline has encountered setbacks.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an integral part of the European Union's border
management strategy, designed to register the movement of non-EU nationals
entering and exiting the EU/Schengen Area.
Upon its eventual implementation, the EES will serve as a crucial tool for bolstering
security within the Schengen area, a coalition of 26 European countries that operate
under open border and trade policies. The system will enable efficient tracking of
individuals crossing into and out of the Schengen zone, while also identifying potential
overstay violations, ensuring more effective visa and travel regulation enforcement.
The Spanish government's ongoing efforts to equip its border checkpoints with the
advanced Entry/Exit System technology underscore its commitment to fortifying
national and regional security measures in collaboration with cutting-edge industry
leaders like Thales. As the timeline for EES implementation remains fluid, Spain's
proactive approach positions it well to adapt to evolving border control requirements
in the modern era of travel.