System Ready for EES Launch
The EU’s Shared Biometric Matching System (sBMS) is officially live as the Entry/Exit System (EES) launch looms head. The system, under the development of IDEMIA Public Security and Sopra Steria, started operations on August 25, 2025. Notably, this development will only enhance visitor confidence from October 12 onwards.
What the System Does
Overall, the sBMS will function as the EU’s central biometric database. Specifically, it stores and verifies fingerprints and facial images of millions of travelers.
Moreover, it supports faster and more reliable identity checks at Schengen borders. With integration with the Visa Information System (VIS), the technology will expand further when EES becomes fully operational.
In addition, according to EU data, the system can handle over 1 billion biometric records with matching speeds measured in seconds. Consequently, officials expect it to become one of the largest and fastest biometric databases worldwide.
Readiness for EES
Currently, the system is technically ready for the phased rollout of the Entry-Exit System, beginning mid-October 2025. Crucially, full deployment remains on track for April 10, 2026.
In May 2025, eu-LISA, the EU agency managing large-scale IT systems, approved the sBMS rollout plan. Since then, engineers have shifted from build to live deployment. Therefore, the August go-live marks the most significant milestone yet on Europe’s interoperability roadmap.
Builders Behind the Technology
IDEMIA Public Security delivered the biometric algorithms and matching infrastructure. The company has long provided solutions for airports, national ID programs, and border agencies. Sopra Steria, meanwhile, ensured integration with justice and home-affairs systems across Europe.
“We are excited to partner with eu-LISA and advance our mission of enabling secure, seamless, and personalized digital passenger journeys for travelers across the world,” remarked Tim Ferris, SVP, Travel & Transport, IDEMIA Public Security.
“With our work to design and implement the sBMS, Europe will manage one of the largest biometric systems in the world,” Ferris added, speaking to PR Newswire. “This is another example of how IDEMIA’s technology can make the world a safer place more than ever before, and we’re proud to play a critical role in this journey.”
Together, the two firms bring decades of expertise in digital transformation and identity security. Thus, their collaboration underpins the EU’s ambitious border modernization plan, starting with the EES.
Addressing Past Challenges
However, the road has not been smooth ahead of the EES launch. For instance, past audits flagged vulnerabilities in related border systems, including the Schengen Information System (SIS II). Consequently, security experts stressed that those weaknesses could undermine trust if left unresolved.
Nevertheless, the successful go-live signals that improvements are underway. With ongoing oversight from eu-LISA, the EU is addressing technical and security issues more systematically.
Outlook for EES
Soon, the EES will replace passport stamps for non-EU travelers with biometric registration. In practice, each crossing will capture facial images and fingerprints, stored securely in the sBMS.
This change aims to cut wait times while strengthening border security. Furthermore, it enables authorities to detect overstays more effectively. For British travelers alone, nearly 30 million annual entries will shift to biometric processing after launch.
Conclusion
The go-live of the Shared Biometric Matching System marks a turning point for European border management. Notably, it positions the EU closer to realizing a fully digital, interoperable Entry-Exit System (EES).
Looking ahead, success will depend on system resilience, traveler acceptance, and strong safeguards.
Photo: Freepik
