"I'm not aware of anything that has happened in Portugal, [but the new system] includes the possibility of reverting to the [old] system whenever something occurs that could jeopardise the new system," said Markus Lammert, the European Commission's spokesperson for Home Affairs.

Questioned by Lusa at the institution's daily press conference, following reports of queues exceeding 90 minutes at Lisbon airport on Tuesday, the official stated that the system "is designed precisely for cases in which possible indications that the system could be used may arise."

"All 29 countries in the Schengen [free movement] area have successfully launched their entry and exit systems, and such a large system is a complex and complicated task. That's why we have an integrated transition period, a six-month phase-in period, which allows for a gradual introduction of the new system," said Markus Lammert.

The new electronic border system is expected to be fully operational by April 2026.

90 minute delays

This statement comes after the PSP (Public Security Police) on Tuesday described a "critical day" at Lisbon Airport, with non-EU passengers waiting more than 90 minutes at departures and arrivals due to the new electronic control system.

Also on Tuesday, the European Commission described the entry into force of the new electronic entry and exit system for the European Union as "a success," despite problems in Portugal, citing more than 100,000 registrations in two days.

"On Sunday, we successfully launched the Entry/Exit System. All 29 Schengen Area Member States are now registering third-country nationals, and in just two days, more than 100,000 people have been registered" across the European Union (EU), said Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Home Affairs Ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, Magnus Brunner called it a "milestone in the new approach to border management."

"It allows us to know who enters and leaves the EU, when and where. This is an important milestone in strengthening our internal security," he emphasized.

Irregular migrants

Furthermore, according to the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, "the new system will facilitate the identification of irregular migrants and the return of those who do not have the right to remain in the EU."

Since Sunday, the new European border control system for non-EU citizens has been in operation in Portugal and other Schengen countries. The entry and exit of travellers from third countries will be recorded electronically, indicating the date, time, and border crossing point, replacing traditional passport stamps.

The new European automated external border control system applies to all non-EU citizens entering the territory for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period), regardless of whether they require a visa.