September 25, 2025

New Entry/Exit System (EES)

 The European Union (EU) will begin a phased rollout of its Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12 Oct 25 and fully implemented 1 Apr 26.  This will be a new automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals traveling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of 29 European countries (Schengen+) using the system:

Source - https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/what-ees_en

 ‘Short stay’ means up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This period is calculated as a single period for all the European countries using the EES.

For the purpose of the EES, ‘non-EU national’ means a traveler not holding the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.

 The U.S. government is actively engaging with the EU to obtain exemptions from EES for DoD personnel.  Always consult the Electronic Foreign Clearance Guide to obtain the latest travel requirements.

 Please refer to the attached FAQ’s for additional questions and answers.

 The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to follow in the last quarter of 2026.

 U.S. European Command 2025 Combined Federal Campaign - Overseas Europe (CFC-OE)

 The 2025 CFC-OE campaign will be conducted between 1 October 2025 and 31 December 2025. Each fall, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) enables Federal employees and retirees to come together to raise money and volunteer for charities that support people and communities in need across the United States and around the world. The Department of Defense is the only Federal agency that supports the CFC-Overseas Europe (CFC-OE) and U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) is assigned as the responsible agent for the European campaign. 

 For those who are interested in participating, you can start your donation today by downloading the "CFC Giving" app on your phone (recommended way). You can also visit the following link, https://givecfc.org on non-government network. 

 There is also a way to pledge volunteer hours to an organization you care about. Search for charities to serve at: https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/offerings.

 DoDEA-Europe

 Graduation Data (Class of 2025): 

•        99% graduation rate

•        73% of students are enrolling in college or university

•        109 (7.6%) of students are enlisting in the Armed Forces

•        7 students accepted a Military Academy appointment

•        36 students were awarded ROTC scholarships

•        Over $22 million in scholarships awarded

DoDEA Virtual High School (DVHS): Enrollment is ~ 3,000 worldwide. In Europe, enrollment is 1,550. EU Central: 401, EU East: 354, EU South: 369, EU West: 426.  Local EU Schools with enrollments over 100 include Ramstein, Wiesbaden, Stuttgart, Lakenheath, and SHAPE.  DVHS is a fully accredited school and offer 90 courses (20 AP courses).  For information about DVHS, including eligibility,

https://dvhs.dodea.edu/