The Entry-Exit System does not change the Schengen rules. The Commission responds to protests from the Western Balkans.

The European Commission has rejected criticisms related to the implementation of the Entry-Exit System (EES) at the Schengen borders, in the context of protests announced by transport associations and workers from the Western Balkans, emphasizing that the new system does not introduce new entry rules and that there are already flexibilities provided in Schengen legislation.

In brief

Protests are announced at the Schengen borders by workers and transporters from the Western Balkans.

The Commission states that the Entry-Exit System does not change the entry rules in the Schengen area.

There are flexibilities for frequent cross-border workers and for local permits.

The decision regarding border controls belongs to the member states, not the Commission.

In response to questions during the European Commission's daily briefing about the protests announced at the borders between the Western Balkans and the Schengen area, triggered by the introduction of the Entry-Exit System, the Commission stated that it is monitoring the situation "closely" and is in contact with regional partners.

A spokesperson for the Commission clarified that the Entry-Exit System does not add new obligations regarding the duration of stay: "The Entry-Exit System does not introduce any new requirement regarding short stays in the Schengen area." He explained that the role of the system is to ensure more efficient enforcement of existing rules and to detect irregularities, which makes the system ensure better enforcement of existing rules and systematic detection of irregularities.

The Commission reminded that, according to Schengen rules, citizens of visa-free travel countries can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period, and exceeding this term requires a long-stay visa or residence permit issued by a member state. Regarding cross-border workers, the Commission emphasized that Schengen legislation already provides for flexibilities. The spokesperson stated: "Schengen rules already provide flexibility for frequent cross-border workers who cross the same border point, as they are subject only to random checks."

Additionally, individuals holding a local traffic permit at the border are not required to be registered in the Entry-Exit System. The Commission emphasized that the decision on how to conduct border checks at external borders belongs to the member states: "The decision to conduct random checks or not at external borders is the responsibility of the member states, not the Commission."

The European executive also specified that it remains in contact with the authorities in the Western Balkans and is monitoring developments related to the protests, insisting that the Schengen legal framework has not been modified by the introduction of the EES and that the system already includes adaptation mechanisms for specific situations.

The Entry-Exit System is designed to automatically record the entries and exits of non-EU citizens traveling in the Schengen area, replacing the manual stamping of passports. European authorities assert that its purpose is to increase security and ensure uniform application of existing rules, not to restrict mobility rights. In the Western Balkans, concerns about the impact on transporters and cross-border workers have generated calls for protests and blockades at the border.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/sistemul-entry-exit-nu-schimba-regulile-schengen-comisia-raspunde-protestelor-din-balcanii-de-vest