The communiqué ‘Preparation of future developments of border security in the EU’ that the European Commission issued in 2008 brought forward parts of the next developments within EU’s border security. The proposal that is based on these has later been referred to as Smart Borders. The name Smart Borders refers to utilising new technology in order to reach the objectives. 

The communiqué proposed means for heading forward and developing next generation’s border management equipment, in order to simultaneously both improve security and facilitate the border crossing process for those legally seeking to enter the Schengen Area.

The communiqué included motions for establishing the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). 

The aim is to introduce the Smart Borders entirety during 2025–2026.

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