The European Union is reportedly considering a further delay to the full rollout of its Entry/Exit System (EES) to prevent additional complications at its borders. The system, which began its introduction in stages from October last year, replaces manual passport stamping with biometric registration for travellers entering Europe.
The EES became fully operational in April and applies to all 29 Schengen countries. However, it has already faced calls for it to be scrapped due to creating bottlenecks at airports.
Industry sources have indicated that Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the commissioner responsible for EES negotiations with non-EU countries, has privately assured that checks will be paused. Mr Tzitzikostas is reportedly pushing to extend a derogation that allows officials to suspend the new checks beyond the current 6 September deadline for full rollout. He is also reported to have assured the UK that an extension is possible, following a meeting with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on 14 July.
During their meeting, Ms Alexander raised concerns about the new digital border check system. She stated at the time, "I was reassured that the EU commissioner for transport understood the concerns of holidaymakers and recognised the need for us to work together."
Ryanair has previously warned of "queue chaos" from the new system, stating it was not ready for full implementation. They cited airports such as Alicante in Spain as not being prepared due to "insufficient staff, kiosks and system readiness." Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport is now preparing for a £985 million upgrade, including facilities to streamline EES checks.
The British government has announced £20 million in new funding to increase the number of passport check booths at the Port of Dover. While most new checks will occur in EU member states, they will take place in Britain for those using ferries through Dover or trains into the EU.