The European Commission’s 2024–2025 State of Schengen report, released today, calls for the accelerated implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) to bolster security in the border-free Schengen Area. Describing Schengen as the “backbone” of the EU’s internal market, the report stresses the need to digitalise external border procedures to address ongoing security risks.

The Commission urges co-legislators to adopt its proposal for a progressive EES launch and calls for stronger efforts from Member States to prepare for ETIAS, highlighting delays in national implementation.

The report also notes progress in digitalising EU travel documents, with negotiations underway on a standardised digital format and a mobile app to streamline border checks. Efforts to modernise visa procedures for third-country nationals are ongoing, aiming to make the process more secure and efficient.

Other key highlights include a significant drop in irregular border crossings and the Schengen Area’s status as the world’s top travel destination, welcoming over 500 million visitors. The full accession of Bulgaria and Romania is also seen as a positive step for EU economic integration.