The European Union's ambitious plan to digitise its borders has hit a major roadblock, with the controversial Entry/Exit System (EES) now unlikely to launch before 2025. This significant delay throws post-Brexit travel plans into further uncertainty and highlights deep-seated logistical concerns among member states.
What is the EES and Why the Fuss?
The EES is a large-scale IT system designed to register non-EU travellers, including British citizens, each time they cross an external border of the EU. It will replace manual passport stamping with an automated process that records the traveller's name, biometric data (like fingerprints and facial images), and the date and place of entry and exit.
While intended to strengthen border security, the system has been mired in controversy due to the immense practical challenges of its implementation, particularly at busy land and rail crossings.
Estonia and Luxembourg Sound the Alarm
Recent discussions among EU interior ministers have revealed stark warnings from several countries. Estonia and Luxembourg have been particularly vocal, stating that the current technical systems are simply not ready for a 2024 rollout.
Their primary concern centres on the potential for massive disruptions at key transport hubs. The Port of Dover and the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras are frequently cited as potential flashpoints, where the new registration process could cause queues stretching for hours.
A Perfect Storm of Technical and Logistical Hurdles
The delay stems from a combination of factors creating a perfect storm:
- Technical Complexity: Integrating the new system with existing national border infrastructures is proving far more complicated than anticipated.
- App Development Delays: A crucial pre-travel app, intended to allow some data submission before arrival, is still in development.
- Infrastructure Concerns: Physical space at crowded terminals like the Eurotunnel in Folkestone is limited, making it difficult to install the necessary kiosks and processing areas without causing severe congestion.
What This Means for British Travellers
For now, the delay means a temporary reprieve from the anticipated chaos. British passport holders will continue to have their passports manually stamped when entering the Schengen Area. However, travellers should be prepared for the eventual introduction of the EES, which will add a new step to the border crossing process.
When it does finally go live, the system will also pave the way for the EU's ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) – a visa-waiver scheme similar to the US ESTA, which will require an online application and fee for British citizens travelling to most EU countries.
The continued postponement of the EES underscores the complex reality of post-Brexit border management and raises serious questions about whether the system can be implemented smoothly without bringing cross-channel travel to a standstill.
