EU plans efforts to overcome queue problems with new entry system

The European Commission is set to negotiate with EU member states to ensure that the bloc's new border control system does not cause significant delays for tourists during the summer. According to Politico, Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner sent a letter to airport CEOs and airlines, stating that the Entry/Exit System (EES) aims to "guarantee the security of our citizens without undue discomfort for visitors from outside the Schengen area."

Industry groups, including Airlines for Europe and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), expressed serious concern over long queues and delays for travelers to and from the EU. Under the new rules, non-EU citizens must provide fingerprints and a photograph instead of traditional passport stamping. The rollout, which began in October and is managed by national governments, has faced technical glitches, sharply increasing waiting times.

While Brussels previously denied widespread flaws, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen admitted on Friday that "technical problems" require significant work. Brunner noted that EES works well in most member states and airports but acknowledged longer waits at some destinations, citing insufficient staff or inadequate infrastructure. Member states can temporarily suspend biometric data collection to speed up processing. The Commission will now help those still facing issues.

Recently, the operator of Rome's airports said they would have to pause the new biometric border system to cope with the summer tourist influx.