Recent concerns about Portugal’s potential suspension from the Schengen Area have been quelled. This follows a joint statement from the Portuguese government and the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), the country’s borders and immigration agency.
This reassurance comes after the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, mentioned the possibility of a suspension about two weeks ago.
EU Commission Confirms Continued Cooperation
The European Commission has explicitly stated its commitment to working with all member states, including Portugal, to ensure the smooth implementation of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This effectively rules out the previously mentioned suspension scenario.
Portugal on Track to Meet Deadlines
The SEF has clarified that Portugal is actively working towards meeting the established deadlines for implementing the new border control systems. They’ve been conducting tests and preparing for the launch of SES/EES in October 2024, followed by ETIAS six months later.
Previous Concerns Addressed
In April, the SEF raised concerns with the government regarding the importance of adhering to these deadlines. Missing these targets could have potentially jeopardized Portugal’s full participation in the Schengen Area.
Extraordinary Measures Ensure Progress
To expedite the implementation process, the previous government authorized an additional €25 million in February. This funding, combined with ongoing collaboration between the SEF and the current government, has kept Portugal on track with the established timeline.
Avoiding Border Disruptions
Timely implementation of the new systems is crucial for maintaining the free movement of people within the Schengen Area.
Failure to do so could necessitate the reintroduction of internal border controls in Portugal, potentially leading to additional checks at other European borders for travellers coming from or going to Portugal.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Portugal’s commitment to meeting EU requirements ensures continued participation in the Schengen Area. This eliminates the risk of border disruptions and guarantees the free movement of people within the European zone.