In a statement, the office of the secretary general of the Internal Security System (SSI) said that "on May 12, the border authorities (SSI/UCFE, GNR and PSP) identified constraints in the use of the border control system".

During these constraints and, "after a detailed analysis and immediate intervention, energy problems were identified that affected the cooling of AIMA's 'datacenter', in Tagus Park (Oeiras), where the 'legacy' systems (inherited from the former SEF) are in operation."

These problems "will have affected several information systems, including some border control systems", the note reads.

In view of this, the Internal Security System, "in conjunction with AIMA, the border control forces (GNR and PSP) and the competent members of the Government, gave this situation the highest priority and urgency and is collaborating with the relevant European entities, following the procedures established for these cases".

"At no time was the security of the European Union's external borders or the regularity of entry into national territory in question", he assured.