Photo: travelphant.com
The system, designed as a key step toward the digitalization of border controls in the EU, is currently operating erratically, according to The Guardian. Delays have been reported in several countries—including Spain, Portugal, and France—especially during peak tourist seasons. Queues are forming because the registration process for first-time travelers is taking longer than expected.
Frontex Deputy Executive Director Uku Särekanno noted that the main challenge stems from the initial collection of biometric data—fingerprints and photographs—from non-EU citizens. It is this stage that has proven to be the most labor-intensive and sensitive for the system. According to him, “initial data entry” places the main burden on border services.
An additional problem is exacerbated by the inconsistent implementation of rules across different EU countries. Although the EES is supposed to operate under uniform standards, in practice, approaches vary: some states have increased staffing and infrastructure, while others face resource shortages and technical glitches. In some cases, travelers are being asked to resubmit their biometric data, even though the system does not provide for this.
Frontex expects the situation to begin stabilizing within a year, though a fully stable operating regime may not be established for another one to two years. At the same time, there are no plans to expand countries’ ability to temporarily suspend procedures during peak periods.
The tourism industry is reacting to these forecasts with concern. ABTA describes the prospect of years of disruptions as a serious blow to the travel market. Warnings are also being sounded in the aviation sector: Airlines UK notes that the aviation industry still has significant work ahead to standardize border procedures.
Despite expectations of improvements by fall, market participants are increasingly saying that the launch of the EES is turning into a protracted transition period, where the promised “single digital border for Europe” remains more of a goal than a reality.
