Every year millions of travellers cross the external borders of the Schengen States. Some of the visitors have a short-stay visa, while others come from countries where no visas are required. This requires modern, effective and efficient management of the external borders which strikes a balance between facilitation for travellers and internal security.There are several pieces of legislation, which regulate Schengen border crossings. In addition to these, the Entry/Exit System (EES) Regulation and the related amendment of the Schengen Borders Code as regards the use of the EES were adopted in 2017. Furthermore, in 2018, the legislation to establish a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was adopted.On 4 December 2024, the Commission proposed to introduce a progressive start of operations for the Entry/Exit System (EES). On 19 May 2025, the European Parliament and the Council reached an agreement. The Regulation (EU) 2025/1534 on temporary derogations from certain provisions of Regulations (EU) 2017/2226 and (EU) 2016/399 as regards the progressive start of operations of the Entry/Exit System was adopted on 18 July and entered into force on 26 July 2025. The European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA) develops:EES started to be operational on 12 October 2025.ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. Entry/Exit SystemSystem for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countriesEuropean Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)Travel authorisation for non-EU nationals from 59 visa-exempt countries travelling to 30 European countries News corner News article6 March 2026Strengthening security in the EU The Commission has published its General Report for 2025, reviewing a series of measures adopted to enhance the EU's internal security and border control, among many other actions. A major part of the EU’s response to the new security landscape came with the launch of ProtectEU, in April 2025.2 min readNews article6 March 2026EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers meet in Brussels to discuss returns, Schengen and security On 5 March, EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers met in Brussels to discuss voluntary returns, Schengen and security. The meeting was chaired by the Cypriot Deputy Minister for migration and international protection. The Commission was represented by Commissioner Magnus Brunner.2 min readNews article2 December 2025EU’s new Entry/Exit System will make Europe safer for all The launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12 October 2025, marked a significant milestone in EU's effort to modernise and streamline external border management and enhance security.1 min readMore news
Entry/Exit SystemSystem for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)Travel authorisation for non-EU nationals from 59 visa-exempt countries travelling to 30 European countries
News article6 March 2026Strengthening security in the EU The Commission has published its General Report for 2025, reviewing a series of measures adopted to enhance the EU's internal security and border control, among many other actions. A major part of the EU’s response to the new security landscape came with the launch of ProtectEU, in April 2025.2 min read
News article6 March 2026EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers meet in Brussels to discuss returns, Schengen and security On 5 March, EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers met in Brussels to discuss voluntary returns, Schengen and security. The meeting was chaired by the Cypriot Deputy Minister for migration and international protection. The Commission was represented by Commissioner Magnus Brunner.2 min read
News article2 December 2025EU’s new Entry/Exit System will make Europe safer for all The launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12 October 2025, marked a significant milestone in EU's effort to modernise and streamline external border management and enhance security.1 min read
