Brussels acknowledges difficulties with the EES at EU borders, but rules out suspending the system

Brussels has acknowledged that the rollout of the new system for recording entries and exits in the EU is causing problems at border crossing points, at a time when thousands of travelers during the summer season have faced delays and long waits.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said the institutions are aware of the difficulties that have accompanied the implementation of this mechanism and that they are working closely with member states to monitor developments and identify solutions. He stressed, however, that there are no plans to suspend the EES.

This system electronically records the entries and exits of citizens from countries outside the European bloc, replacing the traditional stamping of passports. Biometric data, such as fingerprints and a facial photograph, are also collected during border checks.

According to Politico, the implementation of the EES has caused long queues at airports and other border crossing points. Associations representing European airlines and airports warn that in some cases waits are reaching up to five hours, while quite a few travelers have missed flights because of the slowed procedures.

Representatives of the aviation industry have called on the EC to allow member states to temporarily halt the system when the number of travelers exceeds the capacity of border crossing points. According to them, in the absence of additional measures and increased staffing, the situation risks worsening even further at the height of the tourist season in July and August.