9 Countries Ask Brussels to Ease New Border Checks Rollout
EU officials said a full suspension would create more problems, as airports warned the biometric system was causing waits of up to 5 hours.
- The European Commission is refusing to suspend the Entry and Exit System despite pressure from airports and airlines demanding a halt until after summer. Officials admitted the system is "not perfect" but argued a full suspension was "not needed" and "not possible."
- Since October 2025, the 29 Schengen countries have operated the EES to track visitors biometrically. The International Air Transport Association warned last week that passengers experienced "delays and missed connections" and "queue chaos" at popular holiday destinations.
- Airlines reported wait times of up to five hours in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Belgium. Organisations representing European airports claimed disruptions are "undermining Europe's reputation, European tourism and connectivity."
- Migration chief Magnus Brunner wrote to AFP that the EU will ramp up efforts to resolve issues. Brunner noted the rules allow flexibility such as temporarily suspending biometric registration, but that opt-out is due to end in September.
- Brunner defended the checks as "making Europe safer, every day," noting the system worked without issues at most of the 1,500 border crossing points. Only 20 locations are recognized as "difficult spots.
19 Articles
19 Articles
The Local - Dk
Europe's EES border checks won't be suspended, EU insists
The EU is refusing to suspend strict new border controls despite pressure from airports and airlines who have demanded they be put on hold until after summer amid fears of chaos at holiday hotspots.
Portugal and seven other countries of the European Union (EU) with Switzerland have asked the European Commission to extend the temporary suspension of the system of entry/exit of the external borders of the Community at a time of pressure in addition to September.
A coalition of nine EU countries is calling on Brussels to extend the period of extraordinary flexibility for the entry/exit system, saying the bloc is not yet ready to phase out existing precautions.
The aviation industry demands a pause for delays in the biometric entry exit system (EES). However, the EU Commission sees no reason for exceptions.
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