1. The start date for the Entry/Exit System (EES ) operations has been revised due to several reasons, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, technical complexities of the EES design and specific implementation difficulties at central and national levels . In October 2024, the Justice and Home Affairs Council agreed that a progressive launch of the EES would be the best way forward. Subsequently, the Commission adopted on 4 December 2024 a proposal for a regulation on a temporary derogation from certain provisions of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 and Regulation (EU) 2016/399 as regards a progressive start of operations of the EES[1]. Co-legislators reached a provisional agreement on the proposal on 19 May 2025. According to the revised interoperability roadmap, endorsed by the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 5 March 2025, the EES entry into operation is foreseen in October 2025.

2. The EES procurement was carried out by the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice ( eu-LISA). The Commission has asked the Agency to provide the information requested by the Honourable Member.

3. As regards the costs for the development of the EES, the Commission has asked the eu-LISA to provide the information requested by the Honourable Member.

The Commission will send the Agency’s reply to the Honourable Member as soon as possible .

Last updated: 23 June 2025