Spain Inaugurates Entry/Exit System in Melilla Ahead of EU-Wide Launch
Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, has inaugurated the EU’s new smart border system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), at the Melilla-Morocco border. While the system has been officially introduced, it will not be operational until the end of this year.
What Changes with the EES?
Once launched, all non-EU nationals entering Spain through Melilla—or any other EU border—will be required to register and provide biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints, along with other personal information. This data will be securely stored for three years, reducing the need for repeated registration. Travelers will only need to verify their identity upon each entry, streamlining the border crossing process.
Objectives of the EES
The EES is designed to:
- Record the entry and exit of non-EU nationals
- Identify overstayers in the EU
- Prevent irregular migration
- Detect individuals using false identities
- Improve border security while expediting travel procedures
With an estimated 700 million non-EU travelers affected annually, the system aims to enhance security and efficiency across the Schengen Area.
Spain Prepares for EES Implementation
To ensure a smooth transition, Spain has invested approximately €11 million in the EES infrastructure at Melilla. Minister Grande-Marlaska emphasized that this inauguration marks an important milestone, demonstrating Spain’s readiness to implement the system once it becomes mandatory across the EU.
What to Expect at the Melilla-Morocco Border
When the EES officially launches, it will replace manual passport stamping with automated border control. All non-EU nationals—whether visa-exempt or not—will need to register in the system before entering Spanish territory. This modernization is expected to enhance security and efficiency at one of the EU’s busiest external borders.
