Key Takeaways:
- EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen admits the new Entry/Exit System (EES) has "still quite a lot of work to do" to solve technical issues.
- European airports and airlines report wait times of up to five hours, urging suspension of checks during peak periods.
- Since October 2025, 108 million travelers have been processed; 44,000 were denied entry, mostly due to document issues.
- A high-level meeting is set for July 7 to address the crisis.
EES Rollout Hits Turbulence
The European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES), designed to modernize border controls for non-EU travelers, is facing severe backlash from airports and airlines. On Friday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged that the system still has significant technical flaws. "There's still quite a lot of work to do to have these technical issues solved together with the member states," she said.
This admission comes after industry warnings that the system is causing massive delays. European airports and airlines reported that EES checks can lead to wait times of up to five hours, particularly at major hubs. The ACI Europe airports group, the A4E airline association, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) jointly called for the suspension of EES checks during peak travel periods to avoid summer chaos.
How the System Works
The EES replaces the old manual passport stamping process with an electronic registration system. It records travelers' personal and biometric data—such as fingerprints and facial images—to track entries, exits, overstays, and refusals. This system applies to all Schengen Area countries, including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland, but excludes Ireland and Cyprus.
Since its introduction in October 2025, the system has processed 108 million entries and exits. According to an EU official, 44,000 people were prevented from entering the bloc, mainly due to missing or invalid travel documents or visas.
Industry Pressure Mounts
With European airports expecting 40 million additional passengers during the summer holidays, the pressure is intense. Airlines fear that delays could lead to missed flights, stranded passengers, and operational chaos. The joint statement from industry groups described the situation as reaching a "critical point."
"If you're unhappy, then join the Schengen area," an EU official quipped, pushing back at criticism by reminding airlines that EES rules were agreed upon by all member states.
However, the Commission has also downplayed the extent of the problems, noting that disruptions are limited to a few airports. But the upcoming July 7 meeting between EU officials and industry representatives signals a willingness to find practical solutions.
What's Next for Travelers?
For now, travelers should anticipate longer wait times at airports, especially during peak hours. The EU insists that EES is essential for security and for tracking overstays, but the implementation has been rocky. If you're planning a trip to Europe this summer:
- Allow extra time for border checks, especially at large airports.
- Ensure your travel documents are valid and complete.
- Check for updates from your airline or airport about any procedural changes.
The EU is under pressure to either improve system performance or provide flexibility for airports to suspend checks when needed. The outcome of the July 7 talks will be critical for millions of summer travelers.