Božinović: Borders are also protected digitally

New rules at Schengen borders have been in force since midnight. The gradual implementation of the digital entry and exit registration system has begun throughout the European Union.

Stamping of travel documents of third-country nationals will cease, and all data on entries and exits will be recorded electronically in the EES system.

The system automatically records the date and place of entry and exit, the duration of the permitted stay, and any refusals of entry. The duration of the permitted stay is precisely calculated using an integrated automated calculator.

This enables more precise monitoring of stays and further increases the security of the external borders of the European Union.

The gradual introduction began in October last year, and Croatia has created more than 3.75 million files of third-country nationals to date.

The new border control system was presented at Zagreb's "Franjo Tuđman" airport.

Overall security level raised

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Davor Božinović visited the border police at Zagreb's Franjo Tuđman Airport, where officers presented him with a modern border control system.

He stressed that the system was introduced primarily for security reasons and that such a solution had not existed before. He explained that registration upon entering or leaving the European Union is automatically shared with all police forces of the member states.

He stressed that data on persons on EU territory is extremely important for security and represents a valuable tool for police throughout the Union. He added that the system is functioning, that work has been underway on its development for years, and that Croatia is among the leaders in meeting all the necessary conditions.

He recalled that the system has been fully implemented since March 1, without any delays or difficulties. Although minor challenges may initially be possible, he assures that they will not affect legal entry into Croatia.

He concluded that today's borders are no longer protected only physically, but also digitally, which further increases the overall level of security.

“These systems recognize whether they are forged documents or suspicious persons. In the past, someone could get several passports if they were a member of some criminal organizations that had a very elaborate system for crossing the border. Today, that is simply impossible. Biometric data is also taken, a facial photograph, and this is visible to everyone at all times,” explained Božinović.

Source: HRT